Director, Development-East Rutherford NJ location
Job Summary:Based out of Kurv's New Jersey office, Director of Development is responsible for leading entitlements, due diligence, and development execution for Kurv's ground-up industrial development projects throughout the Northeast region. This role plays a critical leadership position across the full project lifecycle, from land acquisition support and feasibility analysis through entitlements, permitting, construction, and project delivery.
The Director will work closely with the Market Officer, and Regional Head of Development in the Meadowlands office and will serve as a key point of contact with municipalities, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders. This role requires expertise in entitlement strategy, municipal engagement, and due diligence execution, along with strong project management capabilities across complex development projects.
Essential Job Responsibilities:- Entitlements & Due Diligence
- Assess site feasibility, permitting timelines, and associated costs to inform acquisition decisions
- Develop preliminary development budgets and schedules to support acquisition underwriting and investment committee materials
- Work with consultant team to evaluate environmental risks and coordinate remediation strategies, including cost estimation and process execution
- Conduct comprehensive site due diligence, including:
- Zoning analysis and permitting pathways
- Utility availability and infrastructure assessments
- Drainage, wetlands, and environmental constraints analysis
- Site accessibility and circulation evaluation
- Coordination and review of geotechnical, environmental (Phase I/II), and survey reports (ALTA, boundary, topographic)
- Preliminary title review
- Lead entitlement strategy and execution, including management of consultants (planning, zoning, traffic, land use, and environmental)
- Develop and manage entitlement schedules and coordinate closely with municipal staff and regulatory agencies
- Represent Kurv at public hearings, zoning board meetings, and municipal approvals processes
- Pre-Construction & Development Execution
- Develop and manage overall project schedules, coordinating with internal teams, consultants, contractors, and municipal stakeholders. Assist in site planning and building design in collaboration with architects and design consultants
- Lead contractor procurement efforts, including bidding, pricing evaluation, and contract negotiation support
- Finalize development budgets, schedules, and cost assumptions for financial models and investment committee presentations
- Expedite permitting processes through proactive coordination with local municipalities and agencies
- Review and finalize construction contracts and establish schedules of values
- Construction Oversight
- Attend and actively participate in weekly construction meetings; monitor project progress and key milestones
- Maintain strong relationships with municipal officials throughout the construction process
- Facilitate timely decision-making to support construction progress and mitigate delays
- Review contractor pay applications, monthly cost reports, and consultant invoices for accuracy and approval
- Coordinate with lenders and inspectors to support project inspections and funding draws
- Assist in the review and approval of monthly draw packages
- Partner with general contractors to manage punch list completion and project closeout
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Investments, Asset Management, and Finance teams to support acquisitions, underwriting, and project execution
- Contribute to preparation of investment memoranda and project approvals
- Maintain consistent communication with internal stakeholders regarding project status, risks, and timelines
- Assist leasing team for tenant improvement cost and schedule assumptions
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in real estate development, construction, or site development projects; industrial real estate experience preferred
- Experience may include roles with a developer, general contractor, civil engineering firm, or related organization
- Strong understanding of entitlement processes, zoning, land use, and municipal approvals in the Northeast region
- Experience managing due diligence processes and coordinating third-party consultants
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, Project and Outlook
- Ability to develop and manage budgets, schedules, and development timelines
Personal Attributes- Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable professional
- Coachable, receptive to feedback, and eager to grow in responsibility and expertise
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Collaborative, team-oriented individual with strong interpersonal skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment
Compensation & Benefits- Compensation package commensurate with market data and individual experience, including salary and bonus potential
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holiday leave
- Significant opportunity for upward mobility in a growing organization
Other Details- Must be willing to travel, within 2 hours drive time, regularly. Travel includes other Kurv markets on domestic flights
- Willingness to work >40-hour work week
- Upbeat and collaborative company culture
- We do not offer remote work options, but provide flexibility
