What Does a Real Estate Development Manager Do?
A Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE wears many hats, seamlessly navigating between roles as strategist, coordinator, negotiator, and leader. They are responsible for managing development projects from concept through completion — whether it's a cutting-edge office tower, a vibrant mixed-use community, or a state-of-the-art logistics hub.
Their core responsibilities include:
Conducting site feasibility studies
Managing entitlement and permitting processes
Overseeing design, engineering, and construction
Building and maintaining budgets and schedules
Leading consultant teams
Coordinating with investors, public agencies, and stakeholders
Ensuring project goals align with client objectives and market demands
With their unique skill set, Development Managers at CBRE are the bridge between creative vision and real-world results.
Strategic Expertise at Every Stage
Every real estate project begins with a vision, but turning that vision into reality requires detailed knowledge of market trends, regulatory frameworks, and financial models. CBRE Development Managers bring deep expertise to the earliest stages of a project by conducting in-depth market analyses, evaluating site potential, and creating preliminary budgets and pro forma statements.
They work closely with CBRE’s broad network of brokers, analysts, and researchers to ensure each project is positioned for success from day one. Understanding local market dynamics—whether it's emerging neighborhood trends or shifting tenant preferences—gives CBRE clients a distinct competitive edge.
Collaboration and Leadership
Real estate development is a team sport, and the Development Manager is the coach guiding the players to victory. At CBRE, Development Managers coordinate a wide range of consultants, including architects, engineers, land use attorneys, and construction managers.
Leading a project team requires more than just organizational skills. It demands the ability to inspire collaboration, resolve conflicts, and maintain momentum through inevitable challenges. CBRE Development Managers are trained in advanced project management techniques and equipped with the tools to deliver projects on time and on budget.
They also serve as key liaisons between public agencies and private stakeholders. From zoning approvals to public-private partnerships, Development Managers at CBRE know how to navigate complex relationships and advocate for the best outcomes.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
Today's real estate landscape demands innovation—and sustainability is no longer optional. CBRE’s Development Managers are at the forefront of incorporating green building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable design principles into every project.
Whether it’s achieving LEED certification, integrating smart building technologies, or designing for net-zero carbon emissions, CBRE ensures that its developments meet the highest environmental standards. Development Managers work closely with sustainability consultants and design teams to deliver projects that are not only profitable but also responsible.
Financial Acumen and Risk Management
Development projects involve significant financial investment and exposure to risk. At CBRE, Development Managers bring a high level of financial acumen to every project. They are adept at crafting detailed financial models, securing project financing, and managing costs without sacrificing quality.
They also focus on mitigating risks—whether it's identifying potential delays in permitting, anticipating construction cost increases, or navigating market shifts. By leveraging CBRE’s global platform and extensive market intelligence, Development Managers are able to foresee challenges and pivot strategies before they become problems.
A Commitment to Excellence
At CBRE, the role of the Development Manager is not just about building structures—it’s about building communities, creating value, and shaping the future of cities. The company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in every project it undertakes, and Development Managers are at the heart of delivering on that promise.
Their expertise, leadership, and innovation ensure that every project meets the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and financial performance. From the initial idea to the final ribbon-cutting ceremony, CBRE Development Managers deliver results that drive long-term success for clients, investors, and communities alike.
Why Choose CBRE?
Choosing CBRE means partnering with a global leader known for its unparalleled expertise, integrated services, and forward-thinking approach to real estate development. CBRE’s Development Managers bring the best of both worlds: the personalized attention of a local expert combined with the resources of a global powerhouse.
With CBRE, clients gain a trusted partner who is committed to maximizing value, minimizing risk, and delivering exceptional results at every stage of the development journey.
