Development manager

A development manager in the real estate sector is responsible for the progress and procurement of new property developments. They manage both new build and remodelling projects from conception through to completion.

Their key duties involve the management of land acquisition and planning issues, and responsibility for progress through the technical, legal, and financial stages of the development. As part of this, the development manager will be tasked with inspecting and appraising new land opportunities, reviewing and advising on redundant land in terms of redevelopment potential, completing acquisitions, providing technical advice, and liaising with architects and local authorities.

It is the development manager’s responsibility to negotiate purchases and sale of properties; overseeing the appointment of solicitors and external consultants where necessary.

The development manager should monitor the financial requirements of the development programme, and ensure forecasts are accurate and well-maintained.

Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, suggests that a development manager is: ‘Usually an employee of a developer who acts as the interface or liaison person between the Project Manager and internal bodies within the client company and the tenant organization. Generally found only on larger projects (cf Project Manager).’

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Commercial manager.
• Developer.
• Development appraisal.
• Estate agent.
• Placemaking.
• Project manager.
• Property development finance.
• Real estate investment trust.
• Site appraisal.
• Speculative construction.
• Types of development.