Project Development Manager (Construction & Real Estate Development)

Summary/Objective

C.D. Smith is seeking a high-impact Project Development Manager to orchestrate the full project pursuit lifecycle—from initial client engagement through preconstruction, construction, closeout, and follow-up. This role blends business development, project management, preconstruction, and entitlement/development work, with a strong preference for construction oversight experience. You will support and lead high-value pursuits in Wisconsin and across the United States, driving pursuit planning, information gathering, and client value creation. The role may also support strategic initiatives such as mergers & acquisitions, EPC team building, and other development pursuits.

This position will be based in one of our Wisconsin offices: Milwaukee, Madison, or Fond du Lac, with travel as needed to support pursuits and projects throughout the United States.

Essential Functions

Strategic vision: Define long-term development and pursuit strategy; identify emerging market opportunities; and set tactical objectives for growth.

• Client & pursuit leadership: Lead pursuit planning, coordinate information gathering, and articulate differentiated client value throughout the pursuit lifecycle.
• Acquisition & feasibility: Source new opportunities and complete financial analysis (including pro forma modeling) and risk assessments to determine project viability.
• Preconstruction & entitlement coordination: Partner with internal and external teams to advance preconstruction planning, permitting, and development/entitlement activities.
• Project oversight: Provide executive-level coordination from pursuit through closeout—aligning scope, schedule, and delivery approach while supporting strong construction execution.
• Financial management: Support securing project financing (lenders/investors), manage capital budgets, and monitor expenditures to reduce risk of overruns.
• Stakeholder management: Build and maintain relationships with architects, engineers, general contractors, public officials, and investors.
• Operational involvement: Participate in and help lead internal teams; provide mentorship and help establish performance goals and operating rhythms.
• Asset/portfolio management: Support management of existing assets/LLC structures and coordinate with accounting on reporting and ongoing administration.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (preferred; not required).
• 4–10 years of experience in construction and/or real estate development with a track record of successful project delivery and strong cross-functional team participation.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction administration: Demonstrated involvement in project management and/or construction services, with the ability to support strong execution and oversight.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to interpret market data and demographic trends and translate insights into viable pursuit and development strategies.
• Financial acumen: Comfort with budgeting, pro formas, and basic risk/return evaluation to support go/no-go decisions.
• Communication & influence: Ability to engage clients and partners, align internal stakeholders, and communicate clearly across technical and business audiences.
• Organization: Skilled at managing multiple concurrent, high-value pursuits with disciplined planning and follow-through.