Development Manager

Cumming Management Group•Arlington, VA

17h•$150,000 - $185,000

About The Position

At Cumming Group, you will work on some of the world's most exciting projects in a dynamic environment where your success is measured by the impact you make. We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse project portfolio, and double-digit year-over-year revenue growth, the opportunities to make your mark are limitless! This position is with Seneca Group, a Cumming Group affiliate, who delivers top-tier real estate advisory and development management services on projects ranging from 10,000 to over 1 million square feet across corporate office, education, luxury residential, civic and cultural, healthcare, and life sciences across North America and select EMEA and APAC markets. As part of Seneca Group’s continued growth, we are seeking a skilled Development Manager based in our DMV office in Arlington, VA. This role will play a key part in providing superior client service, delivering exceptional projects, and supporting the continued growth of the firm. If you’re looking to join a team of exceptional people working with recognized clients on high-profile, complex projects - and make a real impact - we’d love to meet you. Overview: The Development Manager serves as the day-to-day lead for one or more real estate development projects of medium-to-large size or complexity, working under the direction of an Associate Principal and/or Principal. This role integrates development management and project management responsibilities, overseeing projects from early planning and entitlement through design, construction, and closeout. The Development Manager is responsible for managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk at the project level, while coordinating internal teams, consultants, and contractors. The role supports senior leadership in client relationships, decision-making, and overall project strategy, and represents Seneca Group’s commitment to excellence and value creation for world-class clients.

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.
Bachelor’s degree required in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field.
Minimum of 5+ years of demonstrated excellence in commercial real estate development management, project management, design, engineering, and/or construction.
Experience delivering large-scale, complex development projects.

Nice To Haves

Technical or sector-specific expertise in commercial office, healthcare, life sciences, education, research & development, cultural, luxury residential, and/or complex mixed-use projects.
Strong project experience and professional relationships within the assigned region is preferred.
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.