National Developments Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

(Large-Scale Real Estate Development | Strategic Stakeholder Engagement | Portfolio Growth)

A leading institutional investment organisation, managing one of the continent’s largest and most complex real estate development portfolios, is seeking a highly experienced development executive to lead national commercial development initiatives and strengthen strategic partnerships across multiple property sectors.

This is a senior position suited strictly to professionals with deep experience in end-to-end property development, development finance, and stakeholder engagement at board and executive level.

Purpose of the Role

To strategically grow the organisation’s national development pipeline by originating, analysing, and delivering commercially viable development opportunities, while strengthening relationships with fund partners, JV partners, tenants, landlords and key decision-makers. The role provides oversight from concept design through feasibility, risk management, board approvals, and execution.

Minimum Requirements (Strictly Applied)

• Honours Degree or equivalent in:

  • Quantity Surveying

  • Civil Engineering

  • Building / Construction

  • Finance

  • Property / Real Estate

• FAIS RE5 (or willingness to obtain within 6 months)

• 8–10+ years post-registration experience in real estate development, investment, and/or development finance

• Minimum 3 years in Senior Management with direct leadership responsibility

• Experience presenting development projects to boards, investment committees and high-level stakeholders

• Advantageous postgraduate qualifications: Masters in Built Environment, Development Studies or MBA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development process from concept design through feasibility, risk assessment and final board approval

• Brief and guide professional teams (architects, engineers, QS, planners) to ensure alignment with commercial and feasibility objectives

• Conduct rigorous due diligence, including technical, financial and development risk evaluation

• Present development proposals to internal boards, JV partners, tenants, landlords and other key stakeholders

• Analyse development opportunities, assess financial viability, and conduct market research to support investment decisions

• Oversee all aspects of project development to ensure risk control, budget discipline, compliance and commercial optimisation

• Manage and mentor development teams, ensuring alignment to development strategy and delivery milestones

• Drive strategic partnerships and strengthen commercial relationships with fund partners

Competencies & Skills

• Strong Project Management capability within large-scale developments

• Deep understanding of construction and development legislation

• High-level construction development expertise

• Strong analytical ability and commercial acumen

• Problem solving and strategic decision-making skills

• Excellent organisational ability and multi-project coordination

• Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills

• Ability to manage professionals and project teams across the country

Why Apply:

This position offers the opportunity to influence national-scale real estate development strategy, guide multi-billion-rand development pipelines, and work within a sophisticated investment and governance environment.