Development Manager

Copaken Brooks, LLC; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Copaken Brooks, LLC in Kansas City, MO seeks a Development Manager to support pre-development and development phases of complex real estate projects. You will work with CB VP/Principals, manage market studies, budgeting, and entitlements, and coordinate with design and construction teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

This role requires 5–7 years in CRE development, strong financial analysis and Excel skills, and ability to collaborate with investors, civic leaders, and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; 5–7 years in commercial real estate development and finance.
• Experience in development/construction project delivery from feasibility through delivery, including assets like healthcare or data centers.
• Proficiency in budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Support VP/Principals in market studies, due diligence, and deal feasibility.
• Develop entitlement strategy and budgeting for projects.
• QA/approval of construction cost estimates for financial analysis.
• Manage design/construction transitions and delivery phases.
• Oversee day-to-day management of contractors, architects, engineers, and legal.
• Prepare RFP responses, proposals, and permit coordination.

Skills

Project management

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Real Estate/Finance/Urban Design/Planning

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location: Corporate Office - Kansas City, MO 64106Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Construction

Copaken Brooks, LLC is a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Kansas City and serving the Midwest. The company’s full suite of services includes investment acquisition and sales, tenant representation and HQ relocations, property management, asset management, development, owner’s representation, and leasing (office, retail, medical, industrial, and underground). We have over 100 years of proven experience in playing a major role in where millions of people go to work, shop, and live.

Purpose of Position

Primarily responsible for supporting management of projects during the Pre-Development and Development phases including the following functions;

• Pre-Development Phase - Development project delivery/support (which may include, feasibility, entitlements, financial analysis, pre-construction /design/construction, delivery)
• Development Phase - Management oversight/quality assurance/coaching of CB Development staff as well as consultant and project teams outside of CB.

The balance of time between these two functions should be split approximately 20% Pre-Development and 80% Development, but may fluctuate at periods of time due to project demand. This position is based out of our downtown Kansas City office.

This Position will support CB on

• Projects where CB controls the development site and will be an investor, and
• Projects where CB is acting in a third-party capacity as Owner’s Representative.

Qualifications

Typical Duties – Pre-Development Phase - Development Project Delivery/Support:

• From project inception, support CB VP’s and/or Principals in the following;
• Develop market studies, due diligence, and deal feasibility analysis for project viability
• Development of deal entitlement strategy and approach
• Update total project budget to assist in financial analysis/proformas
• Provide quality assurance (QA) and approval on construction management cost estimates for financial analysis/proformas
• Facilitate transition to design, construction and delivery phase of the project.

Typical Duties – Development Phase – Design/Construction Oversight, QA & Delivery:

• From time of financial commitment support CB VP’s and/or Principals in the following;
• Day-to-day management of contractors, architects, engineers, legal, construction specialists in the on-time and on-budget delivery of the project
• Preparation of RFP responses and proposals
• Review of documents necessary for section of architects/vendors/contractors/ subcontractors, negotiate agreements/contracts, and acquire required permits/licenses for construction
• Administer/monitor detailed construction management budget, schedule and contingency plan
• Monitor & update construction management project schedule, budget and contingency plan to minimize risk and maximize investor return
• Attend/support OAC meetings and document CB/Owner obligations
• Prepare periodic construction project management delivery reports and present to owners/investors
• Review and recommend approve/disapprove Design/Build-related project expenditures
• Periodically update internal operations improvement opportunities (processes, reports)

Essential Job Function

A highly professional, resourceful, organized, detail-oriented, multi-tasking and project-minded person who thrives within a fast-paced industry and organization.

Work Relationships

This position reports to VP of Development. This position will also interact with other CB Principals, Executive Committee, as well as key external project constituents (civic, investor, professional).

Minimum Skills (Hard)

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, Finance, Urban Design, Planning, or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience with an emphasis in commercial real estate development and finance; construction management experience required.
• Proven track record supporting commercial development/construction projects from feasibility through delivery, including mission-critical assets (healthcare, data centers) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and evaluating project feasibility, conceptual cost estimates, due diligence, deal structuring, risk assessments, team selection, and financial analysis.
• Familiarity with preconstruction pricing, feasibility analysis, and cross-functional coordination with design and construction teams.
• Proficiency in project management, project evaluation, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, execution, construction loan draws, and close-out.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build, analyze, and interpret financial reports and spreadsheets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presenting to civic leaders, investors, and project stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with industry-standard project management and accounting software.

Minimum Skills (Soft)

• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve team objectives
• Ability to effectively multi-task, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines as determined by your supervisor.
• Excellent time and organization skills; ability to handle pressure in order to successfully manage issues, multiple projects and make timely decisions to meet deadlines
• Proven problem solving skills with ability to accurately assess and quickly shift priorities
• Support team efforts to present to project owners, as well as at detailed level with delivery team
• Enthusiastic, positive attitude, motivated to learn and teach, with a strong work ethic; works well with people, and in a professional and expedient manner exhibiting patience and diplomacy
• Attend local industry/civic meetings no less than monthly.

Physical Requirements

• Stationary work on a desktop computer – 35% to 40% of the time
• Working in the field near or job site – 45% to 50% of the time
• Networking and Community Engagement – 10% to 20% of the time.

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance and optional supplemental coverage.
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) plan with immediate 100% vesting on employee contributions and a company match of 50% of the first 3% contributed; employer contributions vest 33% after one year, 66% after two years, and 100% after three years.
• Employee Parking Provided in building garages at no cost.
• Company-issued Laptop equipped with all required software, tools, and resources.
• Free Fitness Center Access at The Skyline Collection Gym, including instructor-led classes and wellness programming.
• Professional Development Support, including training resources and career growth opportunities.