Development Manager

Cumming Group

$150K — $185K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in commercial real estate development management or related fields.
  • Proven track record in managing large-scale complex development projects.
  • Technical expertise in commercial office, healthcare, life sciences, and mixed-use projects.
  • Established relationships within the local market and regional project experience.

Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day execution of real estate development projects from concept to completion.
  • Define project scope and manage approved development strategies, budgets, and schedules.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets, including cash flow tracking.
  • Oversee entitlement and permitting processes and coordinate with agencies.
  • Manage design teams and contractors, ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Conduct project meetings with clients and stakeholders, addressing key decisions and risks.
  • Identify and manage project-level risks and conflicts proactively.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with matching contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Short and Long-term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
Full Job Description
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 corporate office, education, luxury residential, civic and cultural, healthcare, and life sciences across North America and select EMEA and APAC markets. As part of Seneca Group's continued growth, we are seeking a skilled Development Manager based in our DMV office in Arlington, VA. This role will play a key part in providing superior client service, delivering exceptional projects, and supporting the continued growth of the firm.

If you're looking to join a team of exceptional people working with recognized clients on high-profile, complex projects - and make a real impact - we'd love to meet you.

Overview:

The Development Manager serves as the day-to-day lead for one or more real estate development projects of medium-to-large size or complexity, working under the direction of an Associate Principal and/or Principal.

This role integrates development management and project management responsibilities, overseeing projects from early planning and entitlement through design, construction, and closeout.

The Development Manager is responsible for managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk at the project level, while coordinating internal teams, consultants, and contractors. The role supports senior leadership in client relationships, decision-making, and overall project strategy, and represents Seneca Group's commitment to excellence and value creation for world-class clients.

Essential Duties & 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.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Maintain regular attendance during normal business hours, with on-site presence at the office and project sites as required.
  • 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.
  • Technical 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%).


#LI-PJ1

The salary range for this full-time role is $150,000.00-$185,000.00 per year. Ranges are determined based on the position, geography, client and industry experience and level, and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range reflects base salary only, and not the total compensation package. Cumming Group reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, including client requirements.

In addition to base salary, Cumming Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program

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