Lead Real Estate Developer (Remote)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Ongoing training

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Real Estate Developer to drive new projects in a remote role, overseeing the full development lifecycle from site acquisition and feasibility to design, financing, construction, and lease-up/sales. Work with design teams, contractors, and the executive team to deliver innovations in urban and suburban development.

The candidate will manage multiple complex projects remotely, mentor junior staff, and ensure timeliness and budget adherence while shaping sustainable and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in real estate development, with a proven track record of successfully completing complex projects.
• Deep understanding of all phases of the real estate development process.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with development pro formas, financing structures, and risk assessment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a remote team structure.
• Knowledge of local market dynamics, zoning regulations, and permitting processes relevant to real estate development.
• Experience in public-private partnerships is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential land acquisition and development opportunities, conducting thorough feasibility studies and market analysis.
• Lead the pre-development process, including zoning, permitting, entitlement, and design coordination with architects and engineers.
• Secure project financing through relationships with lenders, equity partners, and institutional investors.
• Oversee the construction phase, managing general contractors, ensuring quality control, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Develop and execute strategic leasing or sales plans for completed projects.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting throughout the development cycle.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior development team members, fostering a collaborative remote working environment.

Skills

Leadership

Remote leadership

Project management

Financial analysis

Real estate development

Stakeholder management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate/Urban Planning/Construction Management/Finance

Master's degree

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent real estate development firm with a nationwide presence, is looking for a visionary Lead Real Estate Developer to spearhead new projects. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to manage developments from anywhere. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of the entire development lifecycle, from site acquisition and feasibility studies to design, financing, construction, and lease-up/sales. You will be responsible for identifying strategic development opportunities, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. As a remote leader, you will leverage cutting‑edge technology to collaborate with design teams, contractors, and the internal executive team, driving innovation and excellence in urban and suburban development. This role demands a strategic thinker with exceptional project management skills and a passion for creating sustainable and impactful communities. Join our remote‑first culture and shape the future of real estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential land acquisition and development opportunities, conducting thorough feasibility studies and market analysis.
• Lead the pre-development process, including zoning, permitting, entitlement, and design coordination with architects and engineers.
• Secure project financing through relationships with lenders, equity partners, and institutional investors.
• Oversee the construction phase, managing general contractors, ensuring quality control, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Develop and execute strategic leasing or sales plans for completed projects.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting throughout the development cycle.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior development team members, fostering a collaborative remote working environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in real estate development, with a proven track record of successfully completing complex projects.
• Deep understanding of all phases of the real estate development process.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with development pro formas, financing structures, and risk assessment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a remote team structure.
• Knowledge of local market dynamics, zoning regulations, and permitting processes relevant to real estate development .
• Experience in public-private partnerships is a plus.

Benefits

This remote position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a substantial bonus potential tied to project success.

• excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
• a 401(k) plan with company match
• generous paid time off
• ongoing training
• opportunities to attend industry conferences

Enjoy the autonomy and flexibility of a remote role while making a significant impact on major real estate projects. Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive remote work culture, providing the resources you need to thrive both personally and professionally.