Development Manager

The Company

Macdonald & Company has partnered with a well-established, vertically integrated real estate investment manager to appoint a Development Manager to their industrial development team.

Our client specializes in the acquisition, development, and operation of Class A industrial, logistics and e-commerce real estate across key U.S. markets. Backed by institutional capital, the platform focuses on both speculative and build-to-suit development, with a disciplined, execution-driven approach across the full project lifecycle.

The Position

The Development Manager will be responsible for executing industrial development projects across land acquisition, predevelopment, construction, and delivery, while also supporting broader investment activity including acquisitions and dispositions.

This position will work closely with senior development leadership to drive the successful execution of both speculative and build-to-suit industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities

Land Acquisition & Due Diligence:

• Identify and evaluate strategic land opportunities, including underwriting and feasibility analysis
• Lead due diligence efforts across survey, geotechnical, environmental, zoning, and legal review
• Analyze title, easements, utilities, and municipal requirements impacting development
• Interface with local municipalities to support zoning, entitlements, and approvals

Development & Preconstruction:

• Oversee third-party consultants across design, engineering, and preconstruction phases
• Develop and manage predevelopment budgets, schedules, and project timelines
• Support leasing and RFP processes through site planning, building design, and underwriting updates
• Track and report on design progress, budget alignment, and schedule performance

Construction Execution:

• Manage general contractor selection, procurement, and contract negotiations
• Lead design development and value engineering efforts
• Monitor construction progress, budgets, and risk factors including change orders and delays
• Review and approve development draws and provide recommendations to leadership
• Coordinate tenant improvements and early access to ensure smooth lease commencement
• Support project turnover to asset management or property management teams

Asset Management:

• Assist with acquisitions and dispositions, particularly during due diligence and execution phases

Requirements

• 5+ years of commercial real estate development experience, with logistics or e-commerce exposure preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Real Estate, Finance, or related field
• Experience managing projects across the full development lifecycle, including entitlements and construction
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, budgets, and development proformas
• Strong understanding of municipal approval and entitlement processes
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills