The Role of a Real Estate Development Manager

A Real Estate Development Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire development process of a real estate project — from inception to completion. At CBRE, this means working on a wide variety of projects, including office spaces, industrial sites, retail centers, mixed-use developments, and more.

Development Managers act as the "project CEO," guiding internal teams, external consultants, architects, contractors, and investors to ensure the project meets its financial, design, and timeline goals. Every decision they make directly impacts the project's success.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting market research and feasibility studies

• Securing financing and managing budgets

• Working with legal teams on entitlements and permits

• Collaborating with architects and engineers on design

• Hiring and overseeing contractors and consultants

• Managing timelines, construction progress, and project delivery

• Working with leasing and sales teams post-completion

In short, Development Managers at CBRE are the strategic leaders who transform ideas into tangible, thriving properties.

Skills and Qualifications

Becoming a Development Manager at CBRE requires a unique blend of skills and experience. Most successful candidates bring a background in real estate, construction management, finance, or architecture, often supported by degrees such as an MBA, a Master’s in Real Estate Development, or similar qualifications.

Key skills include:

• Project Management Expertise: The ability to manage large-scale, complex projects with many moving parts is critical. Certification like PMP (Project Management Professional) can be a plus.

• Financial Acumen: Development Managers must be adept at budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to assess project viability and profitability.

• Communication and Negotiation Skills: Working with diverse stakeholders — from city officials to investors — requires excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.

• Problem-Solving Ability: Every project faces challenges. Successful Development Managers think critically and adapt quickly to keep projects on track.

• Knowledge of Local Markets and Regulations: Understanding zoning laws, building codes, and market trends ensures that developments are feasible and compliant.

At CBRE, passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence are qualities that set top Development Managers apart.

A Day in the Life

No two days are the same for a Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE. One morning might involve meeting with architects to review designs, followed by a site visit to inspect construction progress. The afternoon could be spent finalizing financial documents for investors or negotiating entitlements with city planning officials.

Throughout every phase of a project, Development Managers are juggling priorities — ensuring everything stays aligned with the client’s vision, the market’s needs, and CBRE’s standards for excellence.

Working at CBRE also means collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry. The company’s culture emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and client service, giving Development Managers access to cutting-edge tools, extensive research resources, and a global network of experts.

Career Growth and Opportunities at CBRE

CBRE is committed to fostering professional development and offering clear pathways for career advancement. Real Estate Development Managers have the opportunity to grow into senior leadership roles such as Senior Development Manager, Development Director, or even head of regional or national development operations.

Additionally, CBRE encourages internal mobility, allowing Development Managers to explore opportunities across different service lines, geographies, or specialties like sustainability, workplace strategy, or investment management.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, CBRE’s scale and reputation offer an unmatched platform to work on landmark projects that leave a lasting impact.

Why Choose CBRE?

Choosing to work at CBRE means joining a company that’s consistently recognized for its leadership in real estate. CBRE has been named a Fortune 500 company, is regularly ranked among the "World’s Most Admired Companies" by Fortune Magazine, and is known for its inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.

CBRE’s dedication to innovation, client service, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the ambitions of professionals who want to lead transformative real estate projects. Development Managers at CBRE are empowered to make a difference — not just within the company but across communities and cities worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Being a Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE isn’t just a job; it’s a career filled with opportunity, challenge, and the chance to shape the future of real estate. For those with a passion for the built environment, strong leadership skills, and a drive to succeed, CBRE offers the ideal environment to grow, innovate, and lead.

Whether you’re overseeing a landmark office tower, a vibrant mixed-use development, or a cutting-edge logistics center, a career as a Development Manager at CBRE puts you at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s world — one project at a time.