Development Associate

Development Associate

RETS Associates has been retained by a rapidly growing industrial real estate investment and development firm to recruit a Development Associate in Phoenix.

This highly visible role offers exposure to the full industrial development lifecycle, from sourcing and underwriting opportunities through due diligence, financing, construction, leasing, and stabilization. Working directly with senior leadership, the Associate will help evaluate and execute industrial development and acquisition opportunities across the Southwest, Texas, and Southeast while supporting a growing pipeline backed by significant institutional capital.

Responsibilities include financial modeling and underwriting, market research, investment analysis, preparation of investment committee materials, due diligence, project budgeting, construction financing support, and coordination with brokers, lenders, consultants, and development partners. The Associate will also assist with sourcing new opportunities and supporting lease-up efforts across the portfolio.

The ideal candidate will possess 4-5 years of commercial real estate experience, strong financial modeling and underwriting capabilities, and a genuine interest in real estate development. Beyond technical skills, the firm is seeking an outgoing, relationship-oriented professional with a hunter mentality, strong emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and the desire to grow into a future leadership role. This individual must be highly organized, accountable, detail-oriented, and capable of consistently delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 4-5 years of commercial real estate experience with strong underwriting and financial modeling skills
• Demonstrated interest in real estate development and acquisitions
• Argus experience preferred
• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines
• Self-starter with a high level of accountability and ownership
• Outgoing, relationship-driven personality with strong networking and business development instincts
• Team-oriented mindset, sound judgment, and strong critical thinking skills
• Willingness to travel periodically for market visits, industry events, and project-related activities

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial platform with substantial institutional capital backing and an active development pipeline. The successful candidate will gain direct exposure to senior leadership, play a meaningful role in the execution of major industrial projects, and have the opportunity to grow into a future leadership position as the organization continues to expand.

Compensation: $120-140k DOE plus bonus