PreConstruction Design Development Manager

Mai Placement; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mai Placement in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Pre-Construction Design & Development Manager to lead the design and early development phase of major luxury projects. This in-office, full-time role translates ownership strategy into coordinated, build-ready plans and sets the tone for execution.

You will oversee architects, engineers, and consultants, manage early budgeting and value engineering, bidding, permitting coordination, and all pre-construction docs to ensure a clean handoff to

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in high-end real estate development or pre-construction
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering plans
• Experience coordinating external AEC teams and consultants
• Exposure to large-scale, luxury residential or mixed-use projects
• Florida market experience strongly preferred
• Strong budgeting and early estimating exposure
• Polished communicator, confident running meetings and driving follow-up

Responsibilities

• Lead architects, engineers, and design consultants through early project phases
• Oversee early-stage estimating, budgeting, and value engineering
• Manage bidding processes and contractor coordination
• Coordinate permits and regulatory requirements (Florida experience a plus)
• Establish project timelines and maintain schedule discipline
• Track communication, decisions, and change documentation

Job description

Pre-Construction Design & Development Manager

Brooklyn, NY | Full Time | On-Site
$150,000–$180,000

Company Overview

We are a vertically integrated real estate development firm focused on building and operating iconic, Class A mixed-use and residential properties across Florida.

Our team moves fast, operates with ownership, and executes at a high level. We value clarity, momentum, and results. Every team member is expected to take initiative and drive outcomes.

If you are energized by large-scale luxury development and want to help shape landmark projects from concept through construction, this is an opportunity to operate at a high level with meaningful ownership exposure.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Pre-Construction Design & Development Manager to lead and own the design and early development phase of major projects.

This role sits at the center of vision and execution — translating ownership’s strategy into coordinated, build-ready plans.

You will manage architects, engineers, consultants, early budgeting, value engineering, bidding, permitting coordination, and all pre-construction documentation — ensuring a seamless and professional handoff to the construction team.

Florida development experience is a strong plus, particularly familiarity with permitting, consultants, and regulatory environments in that market.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Consultant Coordination

• Lead architects, engineers, and design consultants through early project phases
• Ensure drawings and plans align with ownership vision and financial objectives
• Review and interpret architectural and engineering documents
• Drive design development milestones and approvals

Pre-Construction Management

• Oversee early-stage estimating, budgeting, and value engineering
• Manage bidding processes and contractor coordination
• Establish project timelines and maintain schedule discipline
• Coordinate permits and regulatory requirements (Florida experience a plus)

Project Controls & Documentation

• Maintain clean documentation, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Set up insurance, compliance, and pre-construction requirements
• Track communication logs, decisions, and change documentation
• Prepare projects for clean transition into construction phase

Ownership & Accountability

• Run development meetings and enforce follow-ups
• Hold consultants and stakeholders accountable to deadlines
• Anticipate bottlenecks before they impact schedule or budget
• Maintain a structured, professional execution environment

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in high-end real estate development, design management, or pre-construction
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering plans
• Experience coordinating external AEC teams and consultants
• Exposure to large-scale, luxury residential or mixed-use projects
• Florida market experience strongly preferred
• Strong budgeting and early estimating exposure
• Polished communicator, confident running meetings and driving follow-up

Must-Haves

• Direct experience managing pre-construction or design coordination
• Proven ability to organize stakeholders and manage timelines
• Strong plan-reading and documentation skills
• Structured, calm execution under pressure
• Full-time in-office presence in Brooklyn

What Success Looks Like

• Design phases stay on schedule and on budget
• Consultants operate with clarity and accountability
• Bidding and early budgets align with ownership expectations
• Permitting and documentation are organized and professional
• Construction team receives a clean, well-prepared handoff

Why Join

• Competitive compensation with performance upside
• High-visibility role with direct ownership interaction
• Opportunity to shape major Florida developments from inception
• Fast-moving, execution-focused environment
• Long-term growth opportunity within a scaling development firm

If you are a disciplined, execution-driven development professional who thrives in the early stages of complex projects — we want to speak with you.

Compensation

$150,000-$180,000 per year