Senior Development Manager

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

Job summary

MHW Search, partnered with an Industrial Investment/Development firm, seeks a Senior Development Manager in Chicago to lead ground-up industrial development and existing portfolios from concept to completion.

The role oversees entitlement, design, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor selection, working with asset management and originations to evaluate opportunities. A client-facing, sales-oriented mindset is preferred.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct site due diligence and manage entitlement, rezoning, and permitting processes — including zoning review, utility coordination, and feasibility analysis.
• Lead the vetting and selection of architects, engineers, and consultants for each project.
• Review and guide conceptual and detailed designs to optimize constructability, cost, schedule, and operational functionality.
• Lead RFP development, bid leveling, and procurement of contractors and consultants.
• Develop and manage project budgets and pre-construction cost estimates.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, including scope, pricing, and terms and conditions.
• Coordinate and oversee all construction activities, ensuring adherence to timelines, specifications, and quality control standards.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress and manage change orders.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project partners.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Contract negotiation

Budgeting & scheduling

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

BA/BS in Construction Management or related field

Job description

MHW Search has exclusively partnered with an Industrial Investment/Development firm with over $8.5 billion in AUM across the country. We are seeking a Senior Development Manager to join the team.

Position Overview:

The Development Manager will play an integral role in ground-up industrial development and existing industrial portfolio projects. The position will work closely with the Development Management team and will coordinate and oversee the development and construction of the firm's speculative and build-to-suit industrial projects from conception to completion. This role involves managing the vetting and hiring of architects, contractors, engineers, and consultants; overseeing construction to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget; managing entitlement and rezoning processes to obtain project approvals; supporting the Asset Management team with capital improvements, tenant improvements, and repair and maintenance projects; and working with the originations team to determine the viability of potential projects. The Development Manager is expected to be comfortable in a presentation and selling environment, as well as able to proficiently execute ground-up construction projects. The ability to externally grow the business through self-generated opportunities and outside selling is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site due diligence and manage entitlement, rezoning, and permitting processes — including zoning review, utility coordination, and feasibility analysis — partnering with the originations team to evaluate development opportunities and secure project approvals.
• Lead the vetting and selection of architects, engineers, and consultants for each project.
• Review and guide conceptual and detailed designs to optimize constructability, cost, schedule, and operational functionality.
• Lead RFP development, bid leveling, and procurement of contractors and consultants.
• Develop and manage project budgets and pre-construction cost estimates.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, including scope, pricing, and terms and conditions, with architects, contractors, consultants, and development partners.
• Coordinate and oversee all construction activities, ensuring adherence to timelines, specifications, and quality control standards, including compliance with safety codes and regulations.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress, manage change orders, and address issues promptly to keep projects on schedule and budget.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact on project timelines and costs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project partners, providing regular updates on project status, milestones, and potential challenges.

Basic Qualifications:

• BA or BS in Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering or equivalent from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in design, engineering, or construction management, specifically within commercial real estate and industrial development.
• Proven track record of successfully managing ground-up development projects from inception to completion.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and industry best practices.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide diverse teams.
• Experience negotiating commercial contracts (e.g., master agreements, work orders).
• Experience with construction budgeting and scheduling

Preferred Qualifications:

• Architectural Registration, Professional Engineer Registration, CEM, PMP, and/or other building professional accreditation.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical business owners/partners to overcome obstacles and deliver results.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for broad audiences and meet tight deadlines.