Head of Service Development

Type: Full Time
Title: Development Manager
Reports To: Managing Director, Development Services
General Summary The Development Manager leads and manages the full land development lifecycle for multiple commercial projects and multi‑site programs. Responsibilities include site evaluation, entitlement, permitting, and readiness for construction, ensuring project performance, schedule adherence, budget management, and successful delivery aligned with client objectives and firm standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position may supervise Development Services team members assigned to their projects.
Essential Duties Lead and manage the full commercial land development lifecycle: site feasibility analysis, due diligence coordination, entitlement and zoning approvals, civil engineering and design coordination, permitting, agency approvals, and pre‑construction coordination.
Maintain multiple projects and programs simultaneously, ensuring delivery within established scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and entitlement timelines; identify risks, constraints, and dependencies early and implement mitigation strategies.
Coordinate jurisdictional approval processes, including zoning approvals, conditional use permits, variances, site plan approvals, and development agreements.
Lead multidisciplinary teams of civil engineers, architects, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, environmental consultants, traffic engineers, attorneys, and other specialists.
Review and evaluate consultant deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and alignment with project objectives; ensure consultant performance meets contractual obligations and quality expectations.
Lead project meetings, coordination calls, and progress reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets; manage consultant contracts and expenditures.
Prepare and manage monthly invoicing and ensure timely and accurate billing in accordance with project progress.
Provide expert technical guidance in all aspects of commercial land development, including site planning, civil engineering coordination, entitlement strategies, utility infrastructure coordination, stormwater management, and compliance with local, state, and federal codes.
Mentor, train, and support Development Services team members; support onboarding and training, staffing needs, recruitment, and hiring processes.
Required Skills and Abilities Extensive knowledge of commercial land development processes: feasibility, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and civil design coordination.
Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, site design, grading, drainage, and infrastructure systems.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously; excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication, client management, and relationship‑building skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management & scheduling software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
Willingness to travel throughout the United States.
Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning, or related field.

• 10+ years of experience in commercial land development, including managing multi‑site programs or multiple large projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and acting as client representative through all development phases.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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