Development Manager (Luxury Residential)

Overview

As a Development Manager/Senior Project Manager with Seneca Group (a Cumming Group affiliate) in Arlington, VA, you will lead medium‑to‑large real estate development projects, primarily ultra‑luxury single‑family and estate residential projects, from acquisition through occupancy. You will integrate development and project management responsibilities, overseeing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk while coordinating internal teams, consultants, and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day execution of one or more development projects from concept through completion under the direction of an Associate Principal and/or Principal.
• Support definition of technical and financial project scope and execute 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 negotiation and administration of consultant and construction contracts in coordination with senior leadership.
• Provide construction‑management oversight, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk control.
• Facilitate and lead daily project meetings with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders; escalate key decisions, risks, and issues as appropriate.
• Serve as primary day‑to‑day client contact, supporting senior leadership in strategic communication and decision‑making.
• Proactively identify and resolve project‑level risks, conflicts, and issues.
• Promote repeat business through effective delivery, communication, relationship management, and collaboration with senior leadership.
• Align project execution with development goals to achieve client objectives.
• Maintain regular attendance during normal business hours with on‑site presence at the office and project sites as required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate complex project and development information.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams toward shared goals.
• Effective delegation, clear direction, and ongoing feedback provision.
• Experience monitoring performance metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Robust problem‑solving skills with the ability to distinguish root causes from symptoms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Capability to independently manage projects in dynamic or compressed timeframes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field (required).
• 10+ years of demonstrated excellence in commercial real estate development management, project management, design, engineering, and/or construction.
• 5+ years directly managing luxury residential developments valued at $40 M+.
• Experience delivering large‑scale, complex development projects.
• Technical or sector‑specific expertise in ultra‑high‑end custom residential developments.
• Experience working with premier architecture and interior design firms and discerning private clients.
• Track record managing projects with exceptional architectural and design quality requirements.
• Preferred experience in the DMV area luxury residential market and strong professional relationships within the region.
• Willingness to travel domestically (approximately 10–25%).

Pay

Salary range: $146,400.00 – $204,933.36 per year (base salary only; actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and client requirements).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program