Real Estate Development Manager

Our client, a privately-owned international real estate investment and development company, is seeking an experienced Development Manager to join their growing California operation. With offices spanning Europe and the United States, this family-owned organization has built an impressive portfolio of properties in Carmel-by-the-Sea including mixed-use commercial buildings, boutique hotels, restaurants, and residential properties.

This is a unique opportunity to manage high-profile development projects in one of California's most desirable coastal communities, including a restaurant project designed by a world-renowned architect.

The Development Manager will oversee multiple concurrent development projects totaling approximately 60,000 square feet of new retail and residential space, plus an architecturally significant restaurant development in Big Sur.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning & Entitlements

• Lead projects through complex planning approval processes with Monterey County, City of Carmel, and California Coastal Commission
• Maintain regular relationships with planning officials, including bi-weekly meetings with planning directors
• Navigate the dual-jurisdiction approval process required for coastal development projects

Budget & Schedule Management

• Develop accurate project budgets and construction schedules from inception through completion
• Monitor costs proactively to prevent overruns and ensure fiscal discipline
• Provide realistic timeline projections and manage expectations accordingly

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison between internal leadership and external consultants including architects, contractors, and planning consultants
• Coordinate with local partners and community stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with the on-site Director who oversees construction operations

Reporting & Communication

• Deliver comprehensive weekly written reports on a project-by-project basis
• Provide detailed updates to senior management based internationally
• Maintain clear documentation of project progress, challenges, and milestones

Strategic Support

• Assist with analysis of new investment and development opportunities
• Contribute local market knowledge and planning feasibility assessments

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, construction management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in real estate development management
• Demonstrated experience managing mixed-use commercial/residential projects from planning through construction
• Direct experience with Monterey County, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, or Central Coast planning jurisdictions
• Experience working with California Coastal Commission
• Strong knowledge of California planning and entitlement processes
• Proven track record of accurate budgeting and cost management
• Excellent written communication skills with experience providing detailed project reports
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with leadership

• 10+ years of real estate development experience
• Membership in professional organizations (NAIOP, ULI, or similar)
• Established relationships with local contractors, consultants, and planning officials
• Experience with high-end or architecturally significant projects

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits:

• 401k and healthcare
• Discretionary performance based bonus

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…