Development Manager

Cushman & Wakefield•Sacramento, CA

2d•$133,875 - $157,500

About The Position

The Development Manager develops, executes, and directs strategic objectives for land development and acquisition. The role covers feasibility analysis, defining project scope and schedules, and leading client real estate development projects from inception and architectural design through municipal approvals and zoning. The position manages development programs for new stores, relocations, and multi-state rollouts, while coordinating clients, design professionals, vendors, contractors, and public agencies. It also involves frequent project-site visits and 25–50% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline, and at least 5 years of development management experience in commercial construction or equivalent Owner's Representative experience; a similar combination of education and experience may also qualify.
Experience in pre-construction and land development, including site planning, grading-plan review, and utility design and review.
Expertise in feasibility and due diligence, site planning and analysis, permitting, civil design and construction, entitlements, land use and planning, utility providers, and construction.
Proven experience working with local municipalities and organizations to obtain site-plan or zoning approvals.
Proficiency in preparing and tracking detailed project budgets and schedules.
Proven ability to lead and manage multiple facets of numerous projects simultaneously.
Solid understanding of the construction industry, terminology, codes, documentation, and design disciplines.
Ability to read, understand, and apply construction standards and plan sets.
Proficiency with project-management software such as Microsoft Project or NIKU.
Ability to conduct weekly project meetings onsite or by conference call with clients, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated customer and vendor relationship-building experience.
Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to travel 25–50%.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing restaurant, banking, and/or pad-site projects.
Certification in PMP, PE, AIA, LEED, or CMAA.

Responsibilities

Create tailored development schedules for land leases or acquisitions based on zoning status, conditional use permits, platting, and required third-party approvals, with the goal of expediting construction starts.
Lead architects, civil and other engineers, and additional consultants in evaluating a site's economic and zoning viability.
Represent clients at local staff meetings, design review boards, planning commissions, and city council meetings to pursue zoning and site-plan approvals.
Manage the commissioning and receipt of surveys and reports needed to qualify sites, including title reports, ALTA surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental reports, and sign surveys.
Coordinate and communicate with clients and project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, sign vendors, and other parties.
Manage program and project work for new-store developments, store relocations, and multi-state rollouts.
Support initial leasing or purchase-agreement feasibility by reviewing surveys and providing cost and zoning analysis to the Real Estate team.
Obtain County, City, State, and other approvals needed to prepare sites for lease commencement or closing, and keep clients and stakeholders informed.
Monitor project schedules and progress; provide accurate information to architects and civil engineers; coordinate material procurement and delivery with schedules; visit sites; and request revised target completion dates when needed.
Identify value-engineering ideas and cost-saving opportunities through project evaluation.
Complete required project documentation and provide timely, accurate status reporting while traveling.