Commercial Development Associate

Cole West
is a real estate development company focused on developing residential, commercial and mixed-use properties throughout Utah.

Cole West is seeking a Commercial Development Associate to take an active role in executing our growing portfolio of retail and commercial projects throughout Utah. This is a hands-on development position with meaningful project ownership and exposure to the full development lifecycle - from acquisition and due diligence through entitlements, design, leasing, construction, and project delivery. The Commercial Development Associate will work closely with development leadership and will be responsible for coordinating consultants, municipalities, utilities, brokers, tenants, and other parties to keep assigned projects moving forward.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial real estate, with retail experience strongly preferred, and wants to build or expand a career in real estate development. Direct development experience is preferred but is not required. Candidates with relevant experience in retail leasing, construction or project management, brokerage, civil engineering, or other closely related commercial real estate roles may also be a strong fit.

This position is ideal for someone who wants to take ownership of projects, solve complicated problems, and become a well-rounded commercial real estate developer. The successful candidate will be expected to drive projects forward rather than serve solely in an analytical or support capacity.

• Manage the day-to-day execution of assigned commercial development projects and keep projects moving forward through all stages of development.
• Coordinate and manage entitlement, zoning, land use, subdivision, plan approval, and permitting processes.
• Coordinate architects, land planners, civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, attorneys, contractors, municipalities, utility providers, and other consultants.
• Work with municipalities and utility providers to identify project requirements and resolve issues related to zoning, access, infrastructure, utilities, and development approvals.
• Review and coordinate civil engineering, grading, utility, site, and other development plans.
• Manage project schedules and proactively identify and resolve issues that could impact project timing, cost, or feasibility.
• Monitor project budgets, contracts, invoices, and development expenditures.
• Coordinate commercial real estate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, easements, utilities, access, and other property-related issues.
• Work directly with commercial brokers, tenants, property owners, and other parties regarding leasing and development opportunities.
• Assist with the acquisition and evaluation of future commercial development opportunities.
• Maintain organized project files and provide regular updates regarding project status, budgets, schedules, risks, and next steps.

• 2-4 years of retail development or retail leasing experience is required
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and numerous outside consultants and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Familiarity with commercial real estate transactions, leasing, tenants, brokers, and property operations.
• Familiarity with title, surveys, easements, CC&Rs, zoning, and other commercial real estate documents is preferred.
• Familiarity with reading and understanding site plans, civil engineering, grading, and utility plans is preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive, hands-on problem solver who is willing to take ownership of difficult projects and work through complicated issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, business, construction management, engineering, planning, or a related field preferred. MRED, MBA, MSF, or other relevant graduate degree is a plus.