Development Manager

About the role

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 various sectors.

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.
• Maintain regular attendance during normal business hours, with on-site presence at the office and project sites as required.

Requirements

The Development Manager reports to an Associate Principal and/or Principal and collaborates closely with senior leadership to align project execution with client objectives and firm strategy.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• 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.

Preferred Education And Experience

• 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.
• Techincal or sector-specific expertise in commercial office, healthcare, life sciences, education, research & development, cultural, luxury residential, and/or complex mixed-use projects.
• Experience delivering projects involving secure facilities, including SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities).
• Strong project experience and professional relationships within the assigned region is preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically (approximately 10–25%).