Senior Development Manager

Citra Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Citra Group seeks a Development Manager to drive feasibility, planning approvals and delivery of 4000 planned Western Cape units from our Cape Town head office. You will lead cross-functional teams to align design, procurement and construction with budget, schedule and strategic targets.

The role emphasizes strong governance, regulatory compliance and reporting to investors, with office-based work and opportunities for growth as the project pipeline expands.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Built Environment (Engineering, Architecture or related).
• 10+ years in property development or real estate project delivery.
• Track record in large-scale residential or mixed-use projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies and financial assessments.
• Secure planning permissions and regulatory approvals.
• Oversee design development and procurement.
• Manage construction delivery and timelines.
• Control budgets and monitor financial performance.
• Report to executive leadership and investors.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, time and company standards.

Skills

Feasibility studies

Financial modelling

Planning approvals

Procurement strategies

Budget control

Stakeholder reporting

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Built Environment degree

Job description

About Citra

Citra is a property and technology company working to improve the global housing industry. Our mission is to address the housing shortage by creating high-quality affordable homes.

Working from our Head office in Cape Town, you will help manage projects from inception through to completion, ensuring they meet Citra's strategy targets on time and within budget.

What the Role Offers

• Meaningful Projects: Be at the forefront of delivering innovative housing solutions, in large-scale aspirational and affordable neighbourhoods.
• Unique Experience: Gain deep experience in our vertically integrated model, from design and technology integration to production and final delivery.
• Career Growth: Develop your skills in a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with opportunities for career progression as we expand.

With a pipeline of 4000 units in the Western Cape, we are looking for a passionate and driven Development Manager to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead feasibility studies and financial assessments
• Secure planning permissions and regulatory approvals
• Oversee design development and procurement
• Manage construction delivery and timelines
• Control budgets and monitor financial performance
• Report to executive leadership and investors
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, time and company standards

What we’re looking for:

• Tertiary qualification in the Built Environment i.e. Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field.

• At least 10 years experience in property development or real estate project delivery.
• A proven track record in delivering large-scale residential or mixed-use projects.

Desired Competencies and Skills:

• Development appraisals and financial modelling
• Planning and regulatory processes
• Contract negotiation and procurement strategies
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Budget control and cost management
• Knowledge of relevant property law, construction contracts and compliance frameworks
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Decision-making under pressure
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Stakeholder reporting and management (investors, local authorities, contractors, communities)

Note : this is a full time, mainly office based position.