Development Manager

Project Luong Architects LLC•Houston, TX

3d•$82,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Development Manager to lead complex real estate development projects from concept through completion. This role serves as the operational leader for multiple projects, integrating development strategy, financial analysis, entitlement coordination, consultant management, and construction oversight. Working closely with clients, public agencies, investors, and internal teams, the Development Manager is accountable for delivering projects that are financially sound, strategically aligned, and successfully executed. Successful candidates thrive on complexity, own outcomes rather than tasks, and want to grow inside a firm that punches well above its weight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Five or more years of experience in real estate development, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder development projects from feasibility through completion.
Direct experience leading entitlement and permitting processes with municipal and county agencies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, project budgeting, and analysis.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality, accuracy, and momentum.
Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, public agencies, and project stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience with public-private partnerships (P3), municipal development, or institutional projects.
Background in hospitality, resort, waterpark, mixed-use, or destination development.
Familiarity with development financing structures, including TIF and other public incentive programs.
Experience delivering projects using design-build or integrated project delivery methods.
MBA or graduate degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary client-facing point of contact from project kick-off through delivery
Facilitate owner meetings, present milestone updates, and manage expectations proactively
Build deep trust with clients, municipal partners, and community stakeholders
Translate client goals into executable project strategies and schedules
Lead projects across the full development lifecycle: site selection, programming, entitlements, design, procurement, construction, and close-out
Manage all project consultants, including architects, civil engineers, MEP engineers, surveyors, geotechnical firms, environmental consultants, legal counsel, and specialty subconsultants
Maintain master project schedules, critical path milestones, and due diligence trackers
Coordinate with asset managers, lenders, and equity partners on project requirements
Lead city and county entitlement processes including rezoning, PUDs, special use permits, variances, and site plan approvals
Manage relationships with planning departments, public works, utility providers, and elected officials
Coordinate pre-application meetings, public hearings, and TIF or incentive district submissions
Monitor regulatory changes and assess impacts on project feasibility and schedule
Support the preparation and review of development proformas including revenue projections, cost estimates, and return analysis
Assist in structuring capital stacks including equity, debt, P3 financing, tax credits, and public incentives
Coordinate with third-party feasibility consultants and review deliverables for accuracy and assumptions
Prepare investor-facing materials, project summaries, and financial narratives
Lead contractor procurement including RFP preparation, bid evaluation, and contract negotiation
Kick off construction teams and establish project protocols, reporting cadences, and milestone tracking
Monitor construction progress against schedule and budget and escalate variances proactively
Review contractor pay applications, change orders, and project closeout documentation
Coordinate punch lists, certificate of occupancy, and final project handoff to client
Solicit proposals, negotiate fees, and execute contracts with all project consultants and vendors
Track and process vendor invoices, lien waivers, and project cost reconciliations
Ensure all agreements align with project budget, schedule, and risk allocation standards
Maintain comprehensive due diligence files, permitting logs, and project archives
Prepare clear and concise project status reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders
Track action items, decisions, and issues logs across all active projects

Benefits

Company-contributed Medical/Dental/Vision (we pay 80% of premiums for employees)
Employee-paid Life/AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability
Company-matched 401K plan
3 weeks of Paid Time Off
10 paid Holidays plus 2 days of Floating Holidays
Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave (8 weeks)
Annual Profit Sharing
Flexible Hours
Hybrid Weekly Work Schedule
Flexible Location Program (July or December)
MWBE Firm with Employee Diversity
Professional Development Opportunities
Professional Organization Memberships + Networking Events
Breakfast every Tuesday
Employee Social Activities and Teambuilding
Exercise Facility on site (complimentary membership)