Industrial Development Manager: Ground-Up Projects Leader

MHW Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MHW Search is seeking a Senior Development Manager for an industrial investment firm in Chicago. The role focuses on ground-up development and managing existing industrial portfolios from conception to completion.

You will oversee architects, engineers, and contractors, ensure budgets and schedules are met, and navigate entitlements and approvals while supporting asset management and originations teams. The ideal candidate has deep construction management experience, strong leadership, and

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering or equivalent from an accredited university.
• 7+ years in design, engineering, or construction management in commercial real estate/industrial development.
• Proven track record managing ground-up development from inception to completion.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience with budgeting and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site due diligence and manage entitlement, rezoning, and permitting processes, partnering with originations to evaluate opportunities and secure approvals.
• Lead vetting and selection of architects, engineers, and consultants for each project.
• Review and guide designs for constructability, cost, schedule, and operations.
• Lead RFP development, bid leveling, and procurement of contractors and consultants.
• Develop and manage project budgets and pre-construction estimates.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with architecture, contracting, and development partners.
• Coordinate and oversee all construction activities ensuring timelines, specs, and safety codes.
• Conduct site inspections, manage change orders, and address issues to stay on schedule and budget.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact.

Skills

Ground-up development

Project management

Construction management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

BA/BS in Construction Management or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Job description

MHW Search is seeking a Senior Development Manager for an industrial investment firm in Chicago. The role focuses on ground-up development and managing existing industrial portfolios from conception to completion.

You will oversee architects, engineers, and contractors, ensure budgets and schedules are met, and navigate entitlements and approvals while supporting asset management and originations teams. The ideal candidate has deep construction management experience, strong leadership, and