Development Manager

Retal Urban Development Company

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

The Development Manager is responsible for leading and managing real estate development projects, including multiple projects, across the full development lifecycle, from opportunity identification and feasibility through planning, design, construction delivery, commissioning, and handover. The role acts as a key bridge between investors, internal functions, consultants, contractors, partners, and authorities to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the approved quality standards, while meeting commercial and strategic objectives.

1. Development planning, project briefing, and business case development

• Prepare and update development briefs, project scope, objectives, programs, budgets, timelines, and key deliverables.
• Contribute to business plans and strategic project planning.
• Develop project business cases in coordination with Finance, Legal, Strategy, and Commercial teams.
• Support project identification, evaluation, and business development opportunities on a need basis.

1. Market research, feasibility, and development appraisal

• Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, land-use analysis, and planning/policy reviews to support project decisions.
• Undertake development appraisals and feasibility studies (financial, commercial, technical) in coordination with finance and financial analysis teams.
• Assess project profitability, funding/financing strategies, and costing scenarios across different deal structures (including mixed-use, market-rate, affordable, and commercial components where applicable).
• Track key market and project data (construction costs, transactions, pricing trends, absorption indicators, etc.) influencing investment decisions.

1. Site acquisition support and due diligence

• Support identification of potential new projects and land/site acquisition opportunities, including monitoring relevant market channels and portals.
• Undertake site-level and forensic due diligence to support acquisition and investment decisions.
• Attend site visits and coordinate technical/commercial assessments as required.
• Identify project and partnership opportunities aligned with the company s strategic priorities.

1. Master planning, design management, and consultant coordination

• Manage predevelopment activities including master planning, area programs, product mix, design development budgets, and development schedules.
• Oversee the appointment and active management of lead design consultants and the wider design/development team.
• Coordinate architectural, landscape, engineering, and technical consultant inputs to ensure design alignment with project brief, budget, quality standards, and commercial objectives.
• Review and manage design progress, design changes, and design compliance through structured coordination and governance.

1. Commercial management, contracts, and stakeholder negotiations

• Support and manage key commercial aspects of development projects, including budgeting, cost planning, procurement coordination, and contractual interfaces.
• Participate in partnership discussions and negotiations, including joint venture and strategic partner coordination where applicable.
• Contribute to leasing strategy, partnership structuring, and negotiation support (where project type requires).
• Coordinate with Legal on construction contracts, development agreements, and other project-related legal matters.

1. Budgeting, financial control, and performance monitoring

• Coordinate project development budgets and monitor forecasts versus actuals, cash flow implications, and working capital requirements.
• Work closely with Finance/Accounts teams to maintain accurate financial records and reporting for each project.
• Ensure each project is tracked against feasibility assumptions, approved budgets, commercial milestones, and client/stakeholder sign-offs.
• Recommend corrective actions where cost overruns, margin erosion, or timing deviations are identified.

1. Project management, logistics, and delivery control

• Monitor day-to-day project coordination including site logistics, project documentation, construction progress, and interface management.
• Track schedules, milestones, and critical risks across design and construction stages.
• Ensure project execution aligns with approved scope, quality standards, specifications, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate with project teams to optimize delivery strategy and enhance project value through the development cycle.

1. Risk management, compliance, and governance

• Identify, assess, and monitor project risks, delays, and constraints, and support mitigation planning.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and authority requirements, including relevant local, state, and national programs (including affordable housing programs where applicable to the portfolio).
• Maintain robust documentation and governance processes to support auditability, approvals, and decision-making.