Site Development Manager

Darden; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Darden is seeking a Site Development Manager to lead full lifecycle of site development for new restaurant locations in the Orlando area. You will drive entitlement, permitting, and coordination with landlords, consultants, and constructors to ensure on-time, on-budget site readiness.

The role requires strong project management, multi-project handling, and ability to travel for zoning hearings and site visits. Experience in restaurant development is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in site development or entitlement management.
• Experience managing permitting and municipal approvals (zoning, code compliance, inspections).
• Knowledge of civil engineering, site planning, utilities, and development regulations.
• Strong project management skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Restaurant development experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead site development activities from real estate approval through permitting and turnover.
• Coordinate with landlords, consultants, and contractors to meet schedule, cost, and quality goals.
• Oversee entitlements, zoning, and governmental approvals.
• Direct permit applications and monitor review processes.
• Support construction teams and resolve site/jurisdictional issues.
• Oversee project closeout and turnover to operations.

Skills

Project management

Multi-project work

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional leadership

Schedule management

Risk assessment

Site development

Team coordination

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

CAD / Revit

Job description

Site Development Manager – Job Description

Position Summary

The Site Development Manager is responsible for leading all site development activities from real estate approval through permitting, landlord coordination, pre-construction readiness, construction support, and project turnover for 2 +/- acre sites within an assigned regional area. This role serves as the primary accountable leader for ensuring sites progress efficiently through entitlement, approval, permitting, and development milestones while coordinating cross-functional teams, landlords, consultants, and contractors to meet schedule, cost, and quality objectives.

The ideal candidate can effectively public speak and sell certain aspects of a Darden Restaurant while being the face of the company in a public setting. The individual will be required to travel to zoning, planning and public hearings/ meetings when needed and would need to be able to perform under these conditions. Being able to have multiple projects under various stages and enjoying a fast paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Site Due Diligence & Feasibility

• Works closely with the assigned Real Estate Director for smooth transition and project kick off.
• Lead site feasibility reviews following real estate approval.
• Coordinate site investigations and due diligence activities.
• Evaluate site constraints, utility availability, access requirements, and permitting risks.
• Review survey, environmental, geotechnical, and civil engineering findings.
• Assess project readiness prior to development commitment.

Entitlements & Government Approvals

• Mange Site Consultants, engineers agreements within estimated budget and timelines.
• Manage zoning, subdivision, and governmental approval processes.
• Coordinate entitlement strategies with consultants and municipal agencies.
• Lead development reviews, planning board submissions, and approval meetings.
• Ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements and development conditions.

Landlord & Third-Party Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison with landlords throughout development.
• Negotiate development-related requirements and site obligations.
• Coordinate landlord approvals for plans, utility work, and site modifications.
• Manage lease-related site development deliverables by working closely with internal legal department, the lease terms and timelines.

Permitting Management

• Direct preparation and submission of permit applications.
• Monitor permit review processes and agency comments.
• Coordinate consultant responses to permit review feedback.
• Secure all permits required for construction commencement.

Pre-Construction Management

• Lead project handoff from permitting into construction.Verify permit issuance and development readiness.
• Coordinate utility applications and service requirements.
• Ensure site-related conditions are resolved before construction start.

Construction Support

• Support construction teams in resolving site and jurisdictional issues.
• Coordinate responses to field conditions that could impact schedule
• Manage and support budget related to site challenges
• Support development-related change requests and approvals.
• Facilitate communication between contractor, landlord, consultants, and internal teams.

Project Closeout

• Oversee final jurisdictional approvals and closeout activities.
• Support turnover requirements and utility transfer to Darden.
• Review all change orders and project learnings for Future Development.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in site development, retail development, construction management, or entitlement management.
• Experience managing permitting and municipal approval processes, included but not limited to: Zoning, Code Compliance, inspections, utility management and application, permitting, REA and PUD compliance, platting.
• Knowledge of civil engineering, site planning, utilities, and development regulations.
• Strong project management skills.
• High aptitude for multi project work with fast paced work environment
• Ability to work with team and align with over arching goals.
• Restaurant operational experience.
• Current version of Bluebeam operational skills.

Preferred

• Restaurant development experience.
• Multi-site program management experience.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or related credentials.
• CAD / Revit experience Ability to draw site plan.

Key Competencies

• Site development expertise with soil management and mitigation.
• Entitlement management
• Permit administration
• Landlord coordination
• Contract and lease interpretation
• Risk assessment
• Schedule management
• Stakeholder communication
• Problem solving
• Cross-functional leadership

Success Metrics

• Permit cycle times
• Development approval timelines
• On-time construction starts
• Landlord approval performance
• Schedule adherence
• Development budget compliance

Location

• At RSC if in the Orlando Area
• Remote possible with skill set (If remote travel to the RSC monthly for 3 days minimal during monthly meetings to maintain team cohesiveness.)
• Travel up to 50% for project meetings. Must be able to travel independently within the company parameters.

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