Development Manager

RETS Associates has been retained by a leading real estate investment and development firm to recruit a Development Manager to lead the entitlement and execution of industrial development projects across California and the Western U.S. This is a true development/construction position—balancing on-site execution with strategic coordination and problem-solving in the office.

The ideal candidate is a detail-driven development professional with strong entitlement and CEQA/EIR experience, capable of leading consultants, managing multiple projects, and navigating complex municipal processes. This person thrives on accountability, communication, and seeing projects through from entitlement to construction and tenant delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive entitlement efforts for industrial projects—managing CEQA/EIR, permits, and agency approvals.
• Coordinate with city officials, consultants, and internal teams to move projects efficiently through design and permitting.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and documentation through construction and tenant improvements (TI).
• Support acquisitions and underwriting for new development opportunities.
• Manage consultants across multiple active projects in Southern California, the Inland Empire, and beyond.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience in commercial real estate development, preferably industrial or logistics.
• Proven success leading entitlement processes and coordinating with public agencies.
• Strong understanding of design, permitting, and construction management.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, planning, engineering, or related field (Master’s a plus).