A Real Estate Development Manager orchestrates the development process from concept to completion. Their work spans site selection, project feasibility, design coordination, securing entitlements, managing budgets, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within scope. These leaders are part strategist, part negotiator, and part project manager, balancing creativity and precision to bring ambitious visions to life.
At CBRE, Development Managers work closely with investors, architects, engineers, local governments, contractors, and internal teams. Their goal is to optimize a project’s potential—whether it’s a cutting-edge office space, a vibrant retail center, a modern residential community, or a mixed-use destination.
Key Responsibilities
A Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE typically leads a wide range of activities, including:
Site Acquisition and Due Diligence: Identifying opportunities, evaluating market data, conducting financial analyses, and managing risk assessments.
Feasibility Studies: Assessing the viability of a project by analyzing zoning laws, environmental concerns, demographic trends, and financial metrics.
Entitlement and Approvals: Navigating complex regulatory processes to secure permits and approvals from governmental agencies.
Design and Planning Coordination: Collaborating with architects and consultants to ensure that designs align with project goals, budgets, and timelines.
Budget Management: Developing and controlling project budgets to ensure financial success while maintaining quality standards.
Construction Oversight: Working with general contractors and consultants to manage construction schedules and deliverables.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent communication with investors, partners, and internal leadership throughout the development cycle.
By overseeing all of these elements, Development Managers help CBRE deliver best-in-class assets that meet market demands and generate value for clients and communities alike.
Skills and Qualifications
Real Estate Development Managers bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Successful professionals typically have backgrounds in real estate, finance, architecture, engineering, or urban planning. Essential competencies include:
Strategic Thinking: Understanding market trends and aligning development strategies with business objectives.
Financial Acumen: Mastering budgeting, forecasting, investment analysis, and financial modeling.
Project Management Expertise: Coordinating multiple teams, managing timelines, and keeping projects on track.
Negotiation Skills: Working with landowners, contractors, and government officials to secure favorable outcomes.
Problem-Solving Ability: Addressing unexpected challenges swiftly and effectively.
Relationship Building: Establishing and maintaining strong networks with partners, stakeholders, and communities.
At CBRE, we seek Development Managers who are passionate, agile, and driven to innovate in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
Why Choose CBRE for Your Development Career?
Choosing CBRE means choosing a career with limitless potential. As a global leader, we offer access to the industry’s top resources, technology platforms, and mentorship opportunities. Our Development Managers benefit from:
Diverse Project Portfolios: From urban redevelopments to ground-up construction, the breadth of projects at CBRE provides continuous opportunities for growth and innovation.
Collaborative Culture: Our teams work across disciplines, leveraging the collective expertise of our global network to deliver outstanding outcomes.
Professional Growth: CBRE fosters an environment of continuous learning, providing training, certifications, and leadership development programs.
Commitment to Sustainability: We prioritize sustainable development, ensuring our projects meet and exceed environmental standards while creating lasting value.
Global Impact: With offices in more than 100 countries, our professionals are shaping cities, neighborhoods, and communities worldwide.
The Future of Development at CBRE
The real estate market is constantly evolving—shaped by technology, sustainability imperatives, and shifting demographics. Our Real Estate Development Managers are at the forefront of these changes, helping clients adapt and thrive. By combining innovation with deep market knowledge, they are creating the resilient, future-ready spaces of tomorrow.
Whether developing high-rise office towers in dynamic city centers or revitalizing underused urban areas, CBRE Development Managers leave a lasting legacy. They transform ideas into iconic structures, visions into thriving communities, and challenges into success stories.
At CBRE, we’re proud of our Development Managers and the future they are building. If you’re ready to shape skylines and define what's next in real estate, a career in development at CBRE might be the perfect fit.
Join us—and build the future.
