Senior Development Manager #0204MBR

Keller Executive Search

Sequatchie, TN

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$130,000–$170,000
LOCATION
Sequatchie, TN
POSTED
8 days ago

About the role

Our client in the real estate development space is seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead the planning and execution of a major mixed-use real estate project. This role offers the opportunity to shape a high-profile development from concept through delivery, working closely with ownership, financial partners, and a wide range of design and construction professionals.

The successful candidate will bring a strong blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with the ability to manage complex timelines, multi-disciplinary teams, and significant capital. This is a high-impact role suited to a development professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver a landmark project that contributes meaningfully to the surrounding community.

Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, the Senior Development Manager will play a central role in driving the project forward and ensuring its successful realization.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day management of the development project from initial feasibility through design, entitlement, construction, and lease-up or operational handover. Serve as the central point of coordination across internal stakeholders, external consultants, and contractors.

Manage the project schedule, budget, and scope, identifying risks and opportunities throughout the development lifecycle. Provide regular reporting to ownership and capital partners, including financial performance, milestone tracking, and risk assessments.

Oversee the selection and management of architects, engineers, general contractors, and other consultants. Lead RFP processes, evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage ongoing performance against agreed deliverables.

Coordinate entitlement, zoning, and permitting activities with municipal authorities and external advisors. Build and maintain strong working relationships with city and county officials, planning departments, and community stakeholders.

Conduct and oversee market research, financial modeling, and underwriting analysis to support decision-making throughout the project. Partner with finance and accounting teams on capital deployment, draw requests, and reporting to lenders and investors.

Drive the design and construction process to ensure alignment with the project's vision, quality standards, and financial objectives. Review design documents, value engineering opportunities, and constructability considerations in partnership with the design and construction teams.

Manage project closeout activities, including punch list completion, final documentation, warranties, and the transition to operations or property management.

Early Priorities (First 90–180 Days)

Develop a deep understanding of the project's vision, financial structure, and current status. Establish strong working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders. Conduct a comprehensive review of project documentation, schedules, and budgets. Identify near-term risks and opportunities and develop action plans to address them.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 8 years' experience in real estate development, construction management, or a related field
  • At least 4 years in a project leadership or development management role with direct accountability for project outcomes
  • Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
  • Demonstrated track record managing complex commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or institutional development projects
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in project underwriting, budget management, and financial reporting
  • Working knowledge of entitlements, zoning, and municipal permitting processes
  • Experience leading RFP processes and managing relationships with architects, engineers, and contractors
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software
  • Self-starter who thrives in a lean, fast-paced environment and is comfortable operating with significant autonomy
  • Must be able to work on-site in Marion; this role is not remote-eligible

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience working on mixed-use, hospitality, entertainment, or large-scale community-impact projects
  • Familiarity with Crittenden County and Eastern Arkansas municipal planning and permitting processes
  • LEED accreditation or experience with sustainable development practices
  • Experience working with public-private partnerships or economic development incentives

Benefits

Remuneration & Benefits Package

$130,000 – $170,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.

  • Annual Bonus
  • Comprehensive Healthcare
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit

Executive Recruiters United States: Leading Executive Search and Headhunting Firm in the USA

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

  • California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
  • Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
  • Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

  • Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
  • Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
  • New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

About the Company

K

Keller Executive Search