Director of Industrial Real Estate Development

Suddath Companies•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

The Director of Industrial Real Estate Development is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, entitling, developing, and delivering industrial real estate projects. Working closely with the VP of Real Estate, this leadership role supports the company’s development platform and oversees projects from acquisition through stabilization. The Director manages internal teams and coordinates with consultants, contractors, municipalities, capital partners, and brokers. The role involves strategic development leadership, land acquisition and due diligence, financial analysis and investment management, entitlement and municipal coordination, project oversight, and leasing and tenant coordination. The Director helps manage development initiatives and growth strategy, builds a pipeline of opportunities, evaluates feasibility and risk, oversees budgets and project execution, and collaborates with leasing teams on tenant requirements and market positioning. The position has supervisory responsibilities. It requires less than 25% travel and is performed in a cubicle working environment with usually moderate noise. The job description also lists physical activity requirements, including frequent sitting, hand use, and talking or hearing, and occasional lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.
Minimum 7 years of commercial real estate development experience.
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing development teams.
Proven experience developing industrial, warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or business park projects.
Strong understanding of land acquisition, entitlements, site development, capital planning, and investment analysis.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and successfully execute projects.
Working experience with logistics facilities, distribution centers, manufacturing developments, industrial parks, and build-to-suit developments.
Strong relationships with brokers, municipalities, consultants, contractors, and capital partners.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including written and verbal communication.
Experience in strategic planning, financial modeling, and analysis.
Ability to lead projects and coordinate teams.
Strong industrial development expertise and proven deal negotiation skills.
Solid capital markets knowledge and excellent public agency relationship management.
Construction oversight experience and strong risk management capabilities.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports; and speak effectively before groups.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.
Ability to solve practical problems, handle limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to prioritize and reprioritize, multitask, organize workflow, meet deadlines, and manage daily responsibilities.
No certification is required.
Ability to travel less than 25%.

Responsibilities

Help manage the company's industrial development initiatives and growth strategy.
Identify, evaluate, and pursue new development, redevelopment, and acquisition opportunities.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of industrial projects and evaluate market opportunities and competitive developments.
Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning and business expansion.
Source land and development opportunities; conduct acquisition analysis and feasibility reviews.
Manage due diligence, including environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, utility capacity evaluations, survey and title reviews, and regulatory and entitlement analyses.
Negotiate purchase agreements, consultant proposals, and other required contracts.
Work with leadership on project underwriting and financial modeling; evaluate project feasibility and risk profiles.
Prepare investment committee presentations and recommendations.
Develop and manage development budgets and capital expenditures; monitor profitability and financial performance.
Lead rezoning, entitlement, permitting, and site approval efforts.
Maintain relationships with municipalities, utility providers, planning agencies, and economic development organizations.
Represent the company at public hearings, planning commissions, and municipal meetings; manage external consultants and legal counsel during approval processes.
Oversee all phases of project design and construction; direct architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
Monitor project schedules, budgets, and quality standards; review and approve contracts, change orders, and major project expenditures.
Lead project meetings and executive reporting.
Collaborate with leasing teams on tenant requirements and market positioning; support build-to-suit opportunities and tenant negotiations.
Evaluate market demand and development timing strategies; assist with lease negotiations from a development perspective.
Supervise employees and development teams.