A Real Estate Development Manager oversees the planning, design, financing, and construction of real estate projects. They coordinate every phase of development to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with client goals. Whether working on office towers, mixed-use developments, industrial facilities, or residential communities, they are the bridge between vision and reality.

At CBRE, our Development Managers bring together deep market insight, technical expertise, and a client-first approach. They work closely with property owners, investors, architects, engineers, contractors, city officials, and a broad range of stakeholders to deliver projects that meet and exceed expectations.

Key Responsibilities at CBRE

• Project Planning and Feasibility Analysis: Development Managers assess the viability of potential projects by conducting detailed market research, site analysis, and financial modeling. They determine the best use of land, forecast costs and returns, and create development strategies that maximize value.

• Team Coordination: Successful development requires collaboration. Our managers assemble and lead multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors. They manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring that every team member is aligned and working toward the project’s goals.

• Financial Oversight: Development Managers work closely with CBRE’s investment and finance teams to secure funding and manage project budgets. They ensure financial feasibility, track expenditures, and adjust strategies when needed to keep projects profitable.

• Regulatory Approvals and Permitting: Navigating the complex world of zoning laws, building codes, and municipal requirements is crucial. Our managers work with local authorities to obtain all necessary permits and ensure compliance with regulations, mitigating risk at every step.

• Risk Management: Real estate development involves many moving parts — and plenty of potential risks. CBRE Development Managers identify potential challenges early, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain contingency plans to protect project timelines and investments.

• Client and Stakeholder Communication: Our managers serve as the primary point of contact for clients, keeping them informed at every stage of the project. They also engage with community members and stakeholders to ensure the development is welcomed and successfully integrated into its environment.

Skills and Expertise

At CBRE, we pride ourselves on hiring Development Managers who embody a rare blend of technical skills, business acumen, and creative vision. Key competencies include:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess market trends, identify opportunities, and develop actionable plans.

• Financial Expertise: Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and investment analysis.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase projects.

• Leadership: Ability to motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and drive projects forward efficiently.

• Negotiation Skills: Experience negotiating contracts, leases, and agreements with various stakeholders.

• Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of local and global real estate markets, demographic trends, and economic drivers.

Career Path and Growth at CBRE

CBRE offers unmatched opportunities for career advancement. Development Managers can expand into senior leadership roles, oversee larger portfolios, or specialize in niche sectors such as sustainability, urban redevelopment, or mixed-use megaprojects. With CBRE’s global platform, our professionals gain exposure to projects around the world, access cutting-edge tools and data, and work alongside the best minds in the industry.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of our culture. Through CBRE’s training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership initiatives, Development Managers have the resources they need to continually hone their skills and stay ahead in a fast-changing market.

The CBRE Advantage

Choosing CBRE means joining a company that is committed to excellence. Our integrated service offerings, global reach, and technology-driven insights set us apart from competitors. Development Managers at CBRE benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, rewards initiative, and celebrates success.

From revitalizing historic buildings to leading large-scale, master-planned developments, CBRE’s Development Managers are shaping the future of real estate — one project at a time.

Conclusion

The role of a Real Estate Development Manager is dynamic, challenging, and highly rewarding. At CBRE, these professionals are key drivers of our mission to create and deliver the best real estate solutions for our clients. If you’re passionate about building the future and ready to take your career to the next level, CBRE offers the platform, support, and opportunity to help you succeed.

Explore your future with CBRE — where every project is a chance to transform the world around us.