Senior Real Estate Development Manager - Sandton Growth Node

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Performance bonuses

Equity participation or profit sharing

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Real Estate Development Manager to lead the acquisition, planning and execution of large-scale mixed-use developments in Sandton, Gauteng. The role requires strategic leadership, deep urban planning insight and strong financial structuring capabilities.

You will manage the development lifecycle, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, oversee design and construction, and drive market-driven results while navigating regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 8–10 years in real estate development with large-scale projects.
• Proven site acquisition, financial structuring, and project execution in high-value markets.
• Strong knowledge of Gauteng planning policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure land acquisitions in Sandton and growth areas.
• Lead development lifecycle from concept to financing and approvals.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, planners, legal, contractors).
• Oversee design development aligned with market demands and financial goals.
• Manage construction phases ensuring timelines, budgets, quality, safety.
• Perform financial analyses including market feasibility and pro forma.
• Build relationships with investors, banks, and government bodies.
• Navigate zoning laws and environmental regulations in Gauteng.
• Develop strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
• Present proposals to leadership and investment committees.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Urban planning knowledge

Construction management

Financial structuring

Market analysis

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Property Development or related field

Tools

Development management software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a premier property development firm renowned for its visionary projects in prime urban centers, including the dynamic financial hub of Sandton . They are seeking a highly experienced Senior Real Estate Development Manager to spearhead the acquisition, planning, and execution of large-scale, mixed-use developments. This senior position demands exceptional strategic leadership, a deep understanding of urban planning, construction management, financial structuring, and market analysis within the highly competitive Gauteng property market. The successful candidate will be instrumental in identifying new development opportunities and bringing complex projects to successful fruition.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure strategic land acquisitions and development opportunities within Sandton and other key growth areas.
• Lead the entire development lifecycle, from concept creation and feasibility studies to securing financing and regulatory approvals.
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, planners, legal counsel, and construction contractors.
• Oversee the design development process, ensuring alignment with market demands, brand standards, and financial objectives.
• Manage construction phases, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Conduct rigorous financial analysis, including market feasibility, pro forma statements, and risk assessment for development projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with investors, financial institutions, government bodies, and key industry stakeholders.
• Navigate complex zoning laws, planning permissions, and environmental regulations in the metropolitan areas of Gauteng .
• Develop strategic partnerships and joint ventures to maximize project potential and mitigate risk.
• Present development proposals and progress reports to executive leadership and investment committees.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Property Development, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of extensive experience in real estate development, with a proven track record of managing large-scale, complex projects, preferably in commercial, retail, or mixed-use sectors.
• Demonstrated success in site acquisition, financial structuring, and project execution in high-value markets like Sandton .
• In-depth knowledge of construction processes, project management methodologies, and development finance.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in development management software and financial modeling tools.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, planning policies, and market dynamics in Gauteng .
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.
• Visionary thinking and a passion for creating impactful urban environments.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package, including performance bonuses.
• Significant responsibility in managing flagship development projects in a prime location.
• Opportunity to shape and influence urban landscapes.
• Career progression within a leading and prestigious development firm.
• Work on cutting-edge projects with industry innovators.
• Collaborate with a high-caliber team of professionals in Sandton .
• Exposure to strategic decision-making and high-level negotiations.
• Potential for equity participation or profit sharing on key developments.