What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Kaye/Bassman Architecture | Engineering | Construction | Real Estate?
A growing commercial real estate development firm is seeking an experienced Retail Developer to lead the acquisition, entitlement, and development of single-tenant retail pad sites. This individual will be responsible for identifying new development opportunities, managing projects from site selection through delivery, and supporting the execution of build-to-suit and ground lease transactions for a variety of retail users.
The role will focus on expanding development activity across high-growth markets throughout Texas, with an emphasis on creating shovel-ready and turn-key opportunities for net lease tenants.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and underwrite land acquisition opportunities for single-tenant retail development
- Lead site selection efforts, market analysis, due diligence, and contract negotiations
- Manage entitlement activities including rezoning, site plan approvals, permitting, and municipal coordination
- Oversee project teams including engineers, architects, surveyors, attorneys, and contractors
- Build and maintain a pipeline of development opportunities aligned with tenant and market demand
- Negotiate and structure ground leases, build-to-suit agreements, and fee simple transactions
- Prepare and analyze development pro formas, project budgets, and investment return metrics
- Coordinate with tenant real estate representatives to ensure site criteria and project requirements are met
- Monitor market trends, land values, competitive development activity, and emerging retail corridors
- Drive projects from acquisition through stabilization while maintaining schedule and budget objectives
Qualifications
- 5–10 years of commercial real estate development experience with a focus on retail, net lease, or pad site development
- Proven track record delivering ground-up development projects from acquisition through completion
- Strong understanding of development economics, NNN lease structures, tenant credit, and investment fundamentals
- Experience navigating entitlement and permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions
- Proficiency in Excel-based financial modeling and site feasibility analysis
- Established relationships within the retail real estate community, including brokers, developers, consultants, and tenant representatives
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various geographic markets
- Strong negotiation, communication, and project management skills
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Construction Management, or a related field preferred
Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentive compensation. In addition to salary and bonus opportunities, the role offers participation in project-level profits, allowing the successful candidate to directly benefit from the value created through development execution and successful dispositions. Total compensation will be commensurate with experience, track record, and overall contribution to the development platform.