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About the Role

The Development Manager leads and manages the full land development lifecycle for multiple commercial projects and multi-site programs, from initial site evaluation through entitlement, permitting, and readiness for construction. This role serves as the primary Development Services representative and point of contact for clients, accountable for project performance, schedule adherence, budget management, and successful project delivery aligned with client objectives and firm standards. The role provides technical expertise in land development and civil coordination, ensuring efficient and effective execution of due diligence, entitlements, design coordination, permitting, and jurisdictional approvals. This position leads teams of internal staff, external consultants, and client stakeholders, proactively identifying risks, resolving issues, and maintaining alignment between project goals, technical requirements, and firm objectives.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary Development Services point of contact for assigned clients, maintaining strong, professional relationships and ensuring exceptional client service.
Partner closely with client leadership and functional stakeholders, including Directors of Real Estate, Directors of Construction, Real Estate Managers, Design Managers, Construction Project Managers, and Store Planning teams.
Advise clients on land development strategies, risks, feasibility considerations, entitlement challenges, jurisdictional requirements, and permitting timelines.
Provide regular project status updates, reports, and executive-level summaries, including schedule, budget, risk mitigation strategies, and issue resolution.
Represent the client and organization in meetings with municipalities, approving authorities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.
Support client expansion initiatives and assist in identifying opportunities to expand services and strengthen client partnerships.
Lead and manage the full commercial land development lifecycle, including site feasibility analysis, site selection support, due diligence coordination, entitlement and zoning approvals, civil engineering and design coordination, permitting and agency approvals, and pre-construction coordination and readiness.
Manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously, ensuring delivery within established scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and entitlement timelines.
Identify project risks, constraints, and dependencies early and implement mitigation strategies.
Ensure project execution aligns with client standards, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate and manage jurisdictional approval processes, including zoning approvals, conditional use permits, variances, site plan approvals, and development agreements.
Lead, coordinate, and manage multidisciplinary teams consisting of civil engineers, architects, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, environmental consultants, traffic engineers, attorneys, and other specialists.
Facilitate coordination between design teams, client stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
Review and evaluate consultant deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and alignment with project objectives.
Ensure consultant performance meets contractual obligations, project timelines, and quality expectations.
Lead project meetings, coordination calls, and progress reviews with both internal and external stakeholders.
Foster a collaborative team environment focused on accountability, efficiency, and successful project outcomes.
Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets, ensuring projects remain within approved financial parameters.
Review consultant proposals, negotiate scope and fees, and manage consultant contracts and expenditures.
Monitor project financial performance, including budget tracking, forecasting, and cost control.
Prepare and manage monthly invoicing and ensure timely and accurate billing in accordance with project progress.
Identify and communicate scope changes and coordinate budget revisions and client approvals when necessary.
Support financial reporting and profitability tracking for assigned projects and programs.
Provide expert technical guidance in all aspects of commercial land development, including site planning and feasibility analysis, civil engineering coordination, entitlement strategies and approval processes, utility infrastructure coordination, stormwater management and drainage considerations, and site grading, access, and constructability considerations.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes, zoning ordinances, and regulatory requirements.
Evaluate site constraints and develop practical solutions that align with design, operational, and cost objectives.
Identify development risks and provide strategic recommendations to mitigate technical, regulatory, or schedule challenges.
Mentor, train, and support Development Services team members, providing technical guidance and professional development opportunities.
Support onboarding and training of new employees.
Assist leadership in identifying staffing needs and participate in recruitment, candidate evaluation, and hiring processes.
Promote best practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement within the firm.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of commercial land development processes, including feasibility, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and civil design coordination.
Strong understanding of zoning regulations, land use requirements, and jurisdictional approval processes.
Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, site design, grading, drainage, and infrastructure systems.
Strong understanding of construction processes and constructability considerations.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
Ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and consultant performance.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate diverse stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong client management and relationship-building skills.
Ability to present complex technical information clearly and professionally.
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Strong leadership presence and ability to influence and guide teams.
High level of accountability, professionalism, and integrity.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Experience with project management and scheduling software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms) preferred.
Experience working with document management systems and collaboration platforms preferred.
Willing to travel throughout the United States.
Maintains a professional presence during virtual meetings.
When participating in meetings through Microsoft Teams or other video conferencing platforms, employees are expected to be on camera unless otherwise approved or circumstances prevent camera use.
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct.
All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.

Skills

Commercial land development
Site feasibility analysis
Site selection
Due diligence
Entitlements
Permitting
Civil design coordination
Zoning regulations
Land use requirements
Jurisdictional approval processes
Civil engineering principles
Site design
Grading
Drainage
Infrastructure systems
Construction processes
Constructability
Project management
Schedule management
Budget management
Consultant management
Team leadership
Stakeholder coordination
Verbal communication
Written communication
Client management
Relationship building
Presentation skills
Negotiation
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Problem-solving
Decision-making
Microsoft Office Suite
MS Project
Smartsheet

Location

New York - New York City, NY 10001

Work Type

Full Time
Onsite
Travel

Experience Level

10 or more years’ experience in commercial land development
Experience managing the land development process for commercial multi-site programs or multiple, complex, large projects simultaneously
Experience leading cross functional teams consisting of both internal and external roles in all phases of the commercial land development life cycle
Experience acting as client representative through all phases of the land development process including managing consultant teams, working with multiple jurisdictions, representing the client at public hearings, etc.
Experience partnering with and supporting multiple client functional roles including, but not limited to, real estate, development, design, and construction.

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning or other related degree.

Salary/Compensations

$100,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts
Voluntary short- and long-term disability
Voluntary life insurance
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits
Monthly wellness reimbursements
Telehealth benefits
Mental health counseling
Employee assistance programs
Medicare transition services
Financial wellness benefits
Tuition reimbursement program
Mentorship opportunities
Paid membership to a professional organization
Opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
401(k) with company stock match
Flexible work schedules
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Half-day Fridays
Paid parental leave

About the Company

Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits.
At GF, you’ll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path.
Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve.
From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth.
GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility.
Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm.
We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.
We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success.
Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.