Manager, Development

Summary

The Development and Construction Manager (IL Cottages) will manage individual cottage projects from feasibility through delivery, supporting Welltower’s expansion into the Independent Living Cottage product type. This role is accountable for the day-to-day execution of assigned cottage projects, working closely with development partners, general contractors, and design teams to keep projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with Welltower’s design and operational standards.

This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in building out a new product category at the largest healthcare REIT in the world. The Manager will gain meaningful exposure to all phases of the development lifecycle, partner with senior leadership on a strategic growth initiative, and grow as the cottage program scales across the U.S. portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Manage assigned cottage projects from pre-development through stabilization, including schedule, budget, procurement, and quality oversight.
• Coordinate the activities of architects, civil engineers, general contractors, owner’s representatives, and other consultants throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track project progress against established milestones; identify variances early and recommend corrective actions to the Director.
• Review and process pay applications, change orders, and other project financial documents in accordance with internal protocols.

Pre-Construction & Design Coordination

• Support site testing, feasibility analysis, and pro forma input gathering for new cottage opportunities.
• Manage the design process from schematic design through construction documents, ensuring alignment with the IL Cottage prototype standard and operator requirements.
• Coordinate value engineering and constructability reviews with design and construction partners to optimize cost and schedule outcomes.
• Support entitlement, zoning, and permitting workstreams in coordination with consultants and local authorities.

Partner & Contractor Management

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for development partners, general contractors, and consultants on assigned projects.
• Conduct regular site visits and project meetings; document outcomes, decisions, and open items.
• Support contract negotiation and administration in coordination with Legal and the Director.
• Build trusted working relationships with operating partners and on-site teams during construction and turnover.

Reporting, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, organized project records, including contracts, drawings, schedules, budgets, and correspondence.
• Prepare project status updates and dashboards for the Director and senior leadership on a regular cadence.
• Support compliance with applicable building codes, accessibility standards, safety requirements, and Welltower’s internal policies.
• Contribute to lessons-learned reviews and continuous improvement of the IL Cottage program playbook.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Travel

40–50% out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in real estate development and/or construction management, preferably in senior housing, multifamily, single-family for-rent, or comparable residential product.
• Working knowledge of pre-construction, design coordination, scheduling, budgeting, procurement, and construction methodologies.
• Familiarity with entitlement and permitting processes across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
• Proficiency in construction management software (Procore, Yardi, Bluebeam, MS Project) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving instincts and attention to detail.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and verification of employment, education, and other credentials relevant to the position.

Welltower is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people. EOE/AA. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet