Associate Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

We are one of the largest privately held, vertically integrated commercial real estate developers and owner-operators in the United States. Our company specializes in creating and operating distinctive, high-end outdoor retail and lifestyle destinations, places where people come not just to shop, but to gather, dine, and spend time. Our portfolio spans major markets across the country and reflects a consistent focus on thoughtful design, operational excellence, and long-term ownership.

We are seeking an Associate Development Manager to join our Development team. This role is ideal for an early-career real estate professional with experience in construction, development, or asset management who wants to be deeply involved in the creation of best-in-class retail environments. The Associate Development Manager will work closely with senior development leaders and cross-functional teams to support the planning, design, and execution of complex development and redevelopment projects.

This position offers exposure to the full lifecycle of real estate development—from early planning and entitlement through construction and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Development Managers and senior leadership in the execution of ground-up development and redevelopment projects from planning through completion.
• Coordinate with internal teams including leasing, design, marketing, operations, finance, and asset management to ensure alignment throughout the development process.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, consultants, and general contractors to help manage project timelines, deliverables, and overall execution.
• Review construction drawings, plans, and project documentation to support coordination and ensure projects align with design intent and development objectives.
• Participate in project meetings, site walks, and construction coordination meetings with contractors and consultants.
• Assist in tracking project schedules, development budgets, and key milestones while helping identify potential risks or delays.
• Support financial analysis, underwriting, and preparation of internal development updates and investment materials.
• Help manage project documentation, contracts, and communications with external partners.
• Assist with project delivery and transition from construction to operations to ensure developments open smoothly and meet the company’s standards for quality and execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (real estate, construction management, engineering, architecture, finance, or a related field preferred).
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in real estate development, construction management, asset management, or related fields.
• Experience working for a general contractor, developer, or real estate owner/operator is strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate across internal teams and external partners.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical capability.

The expected salary range for this position is $95,000-$110,000 per year. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, and location. This role is also eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

Why Join Us

Our company takes a long-term ownership approach to development, allowing us to focus on creating exceptional places rather than simply completing projects. Our developments combine architecture, retail, food, public space, and cultural programming to create destinations that define their markets.

Joining our Development team offers the opportunity to:

• Work on high-profile retail and lifestyle developments across the country

• Collaborate with industry-leading architects, designers, and retail brands

• Gain exposure to the entire development lifecycle

• Grow your career within a vertically integrated real estate platform

About WS Development

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class experiences, designed with our customers, tenants and partners in mind. Established in 1990, WS is one of few vertically-integrated real estate companies that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country.

WS is where great ideas and great people come together to design, build, and operate some of the best loved real estate projects in the country. We live at the intersection of entrepreneurship and establishment. We have the infrastructure of decades supporting a culture of free-thinking excellence.

We expect every WS employee to feel welcomed and valued irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, and life experiences. Or for any other reason.