Real Estate Development Director

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Executive bonuses

Long-term incentive plan

Hybrid work model

Leadership role

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Real Estate Development Director to lead expansion in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role combines in-office strategy sessions with flexible remote work and requires steering land acquisitions, feasibility studies, and capital raising.

You will manage a team of development professionals, drive master plans, budgets, and timetables, and collaborate closely with internal and external partners to deliver profitable developments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in real estate development with a focus on project management and deal origination.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use developments.
• Deep understanding of the property development lifecycle from entitlement to financing.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Western Cape market, especially Stellenbosch.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure land opportunities for new developments.
• Conduct feasibility studies, market analyses, and financial modeling to support investments.
• Develop and manage master plans, budgets, and timelines from inception to completion.
• Oversee zoning, permitting, design, and construction phases.
• Lead and mentor the development team and manage stakeholders.
• Negotiate contracts with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Secure project financing through relationships with banks and investors.
• Ensure timely delivery within budget and high quality standards.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing for leasing strategies.
• Maintain relations with authorities and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Finance, Engineering

Tools

Project management software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer of premium residential and mixed-use properties, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Real Estate Development Director to lead their expansion efforts in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role involves a hybrid work model, requiring presence in the office for key meetings and strategic planning sessions, alongside flexible remote workdays. You will be responsible for identifying new development opportunities, overseeing project feasibility, securing financing, managing the design and construction process, and ensuring the successful delivery and profitability of development projects. This senior position demands exceptional leadership, negotiation, and financial acumen, coupled with a deep understanding of the property development cycle and the specific nuances of the Stellenbosch market. You will manage a team of development professionals and work closely with internal departments and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure prime land acquisition opportunities for new real estate developments.
• Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, market analyses, and financial modeling to support investment decisions.
• Develop and manage project master plans, budgets, and timelines from inception to completion.
• Oversee the entire development process, including zoning, permitting, design, and construction phases.
• Lead and mentor the development team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other third-party service providers.
• Secure project financing through relationships with financial institutions and investors.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop and execute successful sales and leasing strategies.
• Maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community stakeholders, and industry partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, with a strong emphasis on project management and deal origination.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects.
• Deep understanding of the property development lifecycle, including entitlement, design, construction, and financial structuring.
• Expertise in financial analysis, pro forma modeling, and capital raising for real estate projects.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of the Western Cape property market, particularly the Stellenbosch region.
• Proficiency in project management software and financial modeling tools.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level bonuses based on project performance.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Significant long-term incentive plan tied to company success.
• Opportunity to shape iconic developments in a sought-after region.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Leadership role within a respected and growing development firm.
• Access to extensive industry networks and resources.
• Continuous professional development and opportunities for advancement.