Development Manager (Luxury Residential)

Cumming Management Group•Arlington, VA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cumming Group, through its affiliate Seneca Group, is seeking a skilled Development Manager for its DMV office in Arlington, VA. This role is crucial for providing superior client service, delivering exceptional projects, and supporting the firm's growth. The Development Manager/Senior Project Manager will lead medium-to-large or complex real estate development projects, specifically focusing on single-family ultra-luxury residential and estate residential projects from acquisition through occupancy. This position integrates development and project management, overseeing projects from early planning and entitlement through design, construction, and closeout. The role involves managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk, while coordinating internal teams, consultants, and contractors. It also supports senior leadership in client relationships, decision-making, and overall project strategy, embodying Seneca Group's commitment to excellence.

Requirements

Strong ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate complex project and development information.
Demonstrated leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams toward shared goals.
Ability to delegate effectively, provide clear direction, and deliver ongoing feedback.
Proven experience monitoring performance metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to distinguish root causes from symptoms.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
Ability to independently manage projects in dynamic or compressed timeframes.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree required in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field.
Minimum of 10+ years of demonstrated excellence in commercial real estate development management, project management, design, engineering, and/or construction.
Minimum 5+ years directly managing luxury residential developments valued at $40M+.
Experience delivering large-scale, complex development projects.
Technical or sector-specific expertise in ultra-high-end custom residential developments.
Experience working with premier architecture and interior design firms and discerning private clients.
Track record managing projects with exceptional architectural and design quality requirements.
Experience in DMV area luxury residential market preferred.
Strong project experience and professional relationships within the assigned region.
Willingness to travel domestically (approximately 10–25%).

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day execution of one or more real estate development projects, or multiple projects/programs, from concept through completion, under the direction of an Associate Principal and/or Principal.
Support the definition of technical and financial project scope and manage execution of approved development strategies, budgets, schedules, and delivery plans.
Prepare, maintain, and manage detailed project schedules and development budgets, including forecasting and cash flow tracking.
Oversee entitlement, permitting, and agency coordination processes.
Manage design teams, including architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.
Review and evaluate cost estimates, value engineering options, and contractor proposals.
Support the negotiation and administration of consultant and construction contracts, in coordination with the Associate Principal and/or Principal.
Provide construction management oversight, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk control.
Facilitate and lead day-to-day project meetings with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders, escalating key decisions, risks, and issues to senior leadership as appropriate.
Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for the client, supporting the Associate Principal and/or Principal in overall client leadership, strategic communication, and decision-making.
Proactively identify and resolve project-level risks, conflicts, and issues.
Promote opportunities for repeat business through effective project delivery, communication, relationship management, and collaboration with senior leadership.
Achieve client objectives by aligning project execution with development goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular attendance during normal business hours, with on-site presence at the office and project sites as required.