Development Manager

Hillwood Investment Properties is a leader in acquiring and developing high-quality industrial properties with 309.5M SF acquired and developed across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Hillwood pursues well-located, functional land in the path of progress and has one of the largest land banks with a capacity of over 133M SF for future development. As a privately held company, Hillwood collaborates with public and private landowners, developers, and partners to execute and invest in a broad spectrum of industrial projects, leveraging deep capital, market expertise, and industry relationships to meet evolving logistics, distribution, and manufacturing demands.

About the role

Hillwood Investment Properties is seeking a Development Manager to join its growing team in Atlanta, Georgia. Reporting to the Regional Market Leader, this position will support the planning, execution, and delivery of industrial development projects throughout the Atlanta market, including tenant improvements (TI), speculative developments, build-to-suit (BTS) projects, and pursuit opportunities. The Development Manager will coordinate with internal departments, customers, brokers, consultants, contractors, and municipalities to deliver projects that meet Hillwood's quality, schedule, and financial objectives. While independently managing tenant improvement projects, this role will also support larger speculative and build-to-suit developments, providing exposure to all aspects of industrial real estate development.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of speculative, build-to-suit, and pursuit developments from inception through completion.
• Coordinate project activities with internal development, construction, leasing, property management, legal, accounting, and asset management teams.
• Assist with project due diligence, entitlement activities, permitting, utility coordination, and municipal approvals.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and reporting while proactively identifying and mitigating project risks.
• Manage architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and third-party vendors to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Participate in design review, value engineering, and constructability discussions to optimize project quality and financial performance.
• Independently manage multiple tenant improvement projects from initial customer pursuit through final project closeout.
• Partner with Leasing during proposal and pursuit activities, assisting with conceptual planning, preliminary pricing, schedules, and project feasibility.
• Coordinate design development, permitting, consultant management, contractor bidding, contract administration, and construction activities.
• Lead regular project meetings with customers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Review project costs, change orders, pay applications, and budget forecasts to ensure financial objectives are met.
• Coordinate inspections, Certificate of Occupancy requirements, punch list completion, project turnover, and closeout documentation.
• Monitor construction progress to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and consistent with Hillwood quality standards.
• Conduct routine site visits and maintain regular communication with contractors and consultants regarding project status and issue resolution.
• Review and approve project invoices, change orders, lien waivers, and other construction documentation.
• Assist in resolving field issues while maintaining strong relationships with customers, contractors, and project partners.
• Assist in preparing project budgets, development pro formas, cost analyses, and financial reporting.
• Monitor project expenditures and forecast costs throughout the development process.
• Prepare regular project updates for senior leadership regarding schedule, budget, risk, and overall project status.
• Attend weekly marketing meetings, providing updates on project status and insights.
• Coordinate with the marketing team to create proposals including lease layouts, tenant improvement plans, and build-to-suite options, with scheduling and pricing guidance.
• Ensure all marketing materials reflect current project specifications, timelines, and brand standards.
• Oversee the preparation of property information packs for potential buyers and participate in property showings.
• Partner with brokerage and leasing teams to evaluate customer requirements and provide development solutions that support successful lease negotiations.
• Participate in customer meetings, project presentations, and ongoing relationship management activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in commercial real estate development, construction project management, or related experience required, preferably within industrial real estate.
• Experience managing complex tenant improvement projects required.
• Exposure to speculative and build-to-suit industrial development projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction processes, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and contract administration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, Procore, or similar project management software is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making with a customer service focus.
• Strong market orientation with a focus on project management and team leadership.
• Technical proficiency in architecture, engineering, and site/building construction along with strong knowledge of financial, accounting, and regulatory law.
• Skilled negotiator with the ability to secure favorable terms for the company while building and maintaining strong relationships.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethics, with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strategic, market-savvy thinker with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to foster respectful, professional relationships in an inclusive environment.
• Able to present both positive and challenging news professionally, commanding respect across teams.
• Independent, self-motivated, capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Composed and even-tempered during negotiations and business activities.
• Trusted relationship-builder with a reputation as someone others "want to do business with."
• Proficient in MS Office, Box, project management software, and Salesforce.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Holidays
• Paid family caregiver leave
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Additional programs to support Associates and their families