Residential Development Manager

The Focus Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential development firm in Cape Town is seeking a Residential Development Manager to oversee the delivery of property projects from feasibility through to final handover. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in relevant fields, with 8-12 years of end-to-end residential development experience. Responsibilities include managing planning approvals, contractor management, quality control, and financial oversight. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years’ experience in residential development or construction.
• Proven track record delivering full residential developments.
• Direct experience with Cape Town council approvals and planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage residential developments from inception to final close-out.
• Manage all planning and statutory approval processes including rezoning.
• Appoint and manage contractors and subcontractors, monitoring progress.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Financial acumen

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Bachelor’s degree in Property/Real Estate Development

Job description

Role Overview

The Residential Development Manager is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of residential property developments, from initial feasibility and statutory approvals through construction, snag management, and final handover. This role requires strong technical, commercial, and leadership skills, with deep knowledge of South African planning legislation and residential construction practices.

Key Responsibilities

End?to?End Development Management

• Lead and manage residential developments from inception to final close?out
• Coordinate feasibility studies, development appraisals, risk assessments, and budgets
• Manage the development lifecycle to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification

Planning, Statutory & Land Use Management

• Manage all planning and statutory approval processes including rezoning, subdivision, consolidations, and departures
• Ensure compliance with SPLUMA, local municipal planning by?laws, and zoning schemes
• Liaise with municipal authorities, town planners, conveyancers, and land surveyors
• Manage environmental approvals in line with NEMA where applicable
• Ensure compliance with title deed conditions and land use restrictions

Design & Consultant Management

• Appoint and manage professional consultant teams including architects, engineers, QSs, and planners
• Oversee design development to ensure compliance, constructability, and value optimisation
• Review drawings, specifications, and BOQs
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining quality

Construction & Contractor Management

• Appoint and manage contractors and subcontractors
• Monitor construction progress, budgets, quality, and programmes
• Ensure compliance with NHBRC, OHS Act, and Construction Regulations
• Chair site and project meetings and manage progress reporting
• Proactively manage construction risks and delays

Quality Control, Snagging & Handover

• Take accountability for snag-list management across multiple developments
• Conduct pre-handover inspections and quality audits
• Ensure completion of all occupational certificates and compliance documentation
• Oversee final handover to homeowners, body corporates, or asset management teams
• Ensure close?out documentation including warranties, manuals, and as?built drawings

Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage project budgets, cash flows, and cost reportsManage valuations, variations, and final accounts
• Support commercial decision?making to protect project viability and returns

Stakeholder & Risk Management

• Act as lead point of contact for stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and authorities
• Manage internal reporting to senior management and investors
• Identify and mitigate regulatory, financial, construction, and delivery risks

Requirements

Qualifications (Essential)

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Construction Management
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Civil Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Property / Real Estate Development (with strong technical foundation)

Professional Registration (Advantageous)

• SACPCMP, ECSA, SACQSP, SACPVP, or SAIA (depending on discipline)
• PMP or PRINCE2 (advantageous)

Experience

• 8–12+ years’ experience in residential development or construction
• Proven track record delivering full residential developments
• Direct experience with Cape Town council approvals and planning processes
• Strong experience in snag management and final handover

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Strong knowledge of SPLUMA, municipal planning by-laws, NHBRC standards, and OHS regulations
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Highly detail-oriented with strong quality focus