Manager of Development and Project Entitlements

JLL•Charlotte, NY

15d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL is seeking an experienced Manager of Development and Project Entitlements to provide subject matter expertise for retail development projects across the continental United States. This senior-level position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in retail and commercial development, with deep expertise in entitlement processes, permitting, and stakeholder coordination. The successful candidate will drive exceptional client service delivery while optimizing project timelines and success rates for our banking sector client. This role also requires up to 25% travel based on project and client needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business (advanced degree preferred, particularly in retail or commercial development).
Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, architecture, or real estate development with strong emphasis on first and second-generation retail construction projects, both ground-up and in-line developments.
Comprehensive understanding of zoning laws, land use regulations, and entitlement processes across multiple jurisdictions.
Deep knowledge of land use planning, zoning codes, variance and special use approvals, PUDs, and subdivision processes.
Strong grasp of federal and local governmental authorities, building codes, environmental regulations, and laws affecting retail development.
Understanding of land surveying, title work, and utility provider requirements.
Proven track record managing projects from lease negotiation through entitlement, permitting, construction, and close-out phases.
Extensive knowledge of retail space design, construction requirements, and scheduling processes.
Experience with due diligence of physical site conditions, soil remediation implementation, and storm water management.
Proficiency in Excel and MS Project or equivalent industry scheduling software is required.
Demonstrated ability to monitor and direct multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and land use counsel throughout entitlement processes.
Familiarity with rezoning processes, development agreements, subdivision platting, PUD approvals, civil engineering, utility easements, and public hearing processes.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Environmental experience with soil contamination, floodplain, and wetland mitigation is advantageous.
Advanced degree preferred, particularly in retail or commercial development.

Responsibilities

Deliver exceptional client service through technical expertise, effective communication, and strategic relationship management.
Serve as the primary liaison between JLL, the client, and various stakeholders throughout the development process, ensuring seamless project coordination and timely delivery of outcomes.
Leverage extensive retail development expertise to guide successful project delivery from inception through full permit authorization and utility provisioning.
Provide strategic oversight of entitlement processes, including zoning applications, land use approvals, environmental permits, and utility coordination.
Analyze and optimize existing processes while developing new methodologies, playbooks, and responsibility frameworks for internal teams and external consultants including landlords, developers, expeditors, architects, and civil engineers.
Develop and refine tracking mechanisms to identify project schedule acceleration opportunities while minimizing forecast error rates.
Create and maintain comprehensive databases of permit expediters, land use counsel, and subject matter experts.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for external consultants and monitor their performance, workload, and deliverables.
Conduct root cause analyses on problematic submissions and provide peer reviews of due diligence reports.
Provide expert consultation on complex or problematic developments, offering troubleshooting support and technical guidance.
Advise on landlord work letter lease negotiations, zoning requirements, environmental entitlements, and utility acquisition processes.
Contribute to organizational growth by achieving financial objectives while meeting specific retail construction requirements.
Foster collaborative relationships between transaction, design, and construction teams.
Contribute to training and development of team members in retail project implementation methodologies.
Provide clear, concise reporting and communication between clients and project teams while continuously enhancing professional skills with focus on retail development trends.