Director of Development, Industrial

Company Description

Our client is a privately held, national, commercial real estate development and investment firm. They specialize in the development of spec industrial projects of various sizes as well as single-tenant build-to-suit facilities; and the acquisition of institutional-grade industrial real estate in key markets throughout the country.

Position Description

The Director of Development is responsible for the full lifecycle execution of industrial real estate projects, including, but not limited to, market underwriting, site acquisition, due diligence, design, capitalization, entitlement, construction, lease-up, and disposition. This role will collaborate extensively with internal development, construction, capital formation, and executive leadership teams, while serving as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including municipalities, consultants, capital partners, and clients.

The position requires both strategic leadership and hands-on project execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with the company’s investment objectives.

Responsibilities

Development Sourcing and Investment Execution

• Assist the leadership team in the identification and evaluation of development sites through market analysis, feasibility assessments, and strategic relationship development.
• Lead preparation of investment presentations, financial analyses, and internal approval materials.
• Perform site feasibility analysis including zoning, infrastructure, environmental, and municipal requirements.
• Lead and manage due diligence, underwriting, and acquisition processes, including drafting LOIs and coordinating closing activities.
• Assist with structuring and securing project financing, including coordination with debt and equity partners.

Project Planning, Entitlements, and Pre-Development

• Lead entitlement and permitting processes, including coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Work with construction team to manage design development, including programming, consultant selection, and value engineering.
• Direct planning efforts including budgeting, scheduling, risk mitigation, and contingency planning.
• Coordinate and manage third-party consultants including brokers, engineers, architects, attorneys, and environmental consultants.

Project Execution and Construction Management

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and scope to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee construction progress, including assisting in contract review, risk mitigation, and issue resolution.
• Work with construction team to manage draw processes and ensure timely payment to vendors and consultants.
• Monitor project performance relative to underwriting and business plan objectives.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Prepare and maintain project financial models, budgets, and pro formas.
• Provide regular project updates to leadership, capital partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Track and report on project financial performance, schedule compliance, and development risks.
• Assist with asset disposition, refinancing, and investment return analysis.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with capital partners, brokers, contractors, consultants, and municipal authorities.
• Represent the company in industry and community settings.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal leadership, clients, and investment partners.
• Maintain a network of qualified consultants, contractors, and service providers.

Leasing and Asset Stabilization Support

• Support leasing efforts, including monitoring lease-up progress and assisting with marketing and tenant coordination.
• Ensure projects transition successfully from development through stabilization and disposition.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, business, engineering, construction management, architecture, or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive commercial real estate development experience, preferably focused on industrial assets.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects through the full development lifecycle, including acquisition, financing, entitlements, construction, and disposition.
• Experience working with municipal agencies and permitting authorities.

Technical and Financial Skills

• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, and underwriting skills.
• Strong understanding of development processes, infrastructure, and construction.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and real estate financial tools.

Leadership and Professional Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, Master’s in Real Estate, or related advanced degree preferred
• Experience in the Southeast industrial development market preferred

Contact

Jon Nowikowski