What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate Development Project Manager / Architect position at Hightop Development?
Hightop Development, a vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm, is seeking a Project Manager with an architecture design background to help drive a diverse pipeline of mixed-use, multifamily, and commercial projects across the Greater Philadelphia region.
What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day):- Site & Feasibility
- Conduct zoning analysis, density calculations, and feasibility studies.
- Prepare test fits, conceptual site layouts, and massing studies.
- Evaluate design options against financial performance and market demand.
- Design Oversight
- Review and redline architectural drawings, renderings, and construction documents.
- Coordinate with architects and engineers to ensure design intent is carried through entitlement and construction.
- Lead internal design discussions to align with Hightop’s standards.
- Entitlements & Approvals
- Manage relationships with township staff, planning commissions, zoning boards, and community stakeholders.
- Prepare and present feasibility concepts and design packages at public meetings.
- Navigate entitlement, permitting, and code compliance.
- Project Management
- Develop and track budgets, schedules, and consultant deliverables.
- Oversee civil, structural, MEP, environmental, and traffic consultants.
- Manage RFPs, negotiate proposals, and coordinate contractor scopes.
- Support construction administration — reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and monitoring progress.
- Financial Alignment
- Integrate design and entitlement findings into project pro formas.
- Run sensitivity analyses when design or zoning conditions shift.
- Support debt and equity financing processes with feasibility data and design inputs.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Provide regular project updates to senior leadership and investors.
- Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
- Ensure design, financial, and execution goals stay aligned through the project lifecycle.
- Technical Tools
- Daily use of AutoCAD, Revit/SketchUp, Bluebeam, Excel, and MS Project.
- Apply GIS, SiteOps, or other planning tools for feasibility and site studies.
- Maintain well-organized approvals, drawings, and project documentation.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Design, Urban Planning, or related field.
- AIA or RA designation strongly preferred.
- 4–7 years of experience in real estate development, architecture, or design.
- Strong knowledge of feasibility, zoning, entitlements, and permitting.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/SketchUp, Bluebeam, Excel, MS Project, and site planning/GIS tools.
- Creative, detail-oriented professional who can connect design vision with financial and development execution.
At Hightop, you’ll be part of a fast-growing development platform working on high-profile projects that are reshaping communities across the region. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to take ownership of projects that make a lasting impact.