Contract Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title: Development Manager
Department: Development Services
Reports to: Managing Director of Development Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Development Manager is responsible for leading and managing the full land development lifecycle for multiple commercial projects and multi-site programs, from initial site evaluation through entitlement, permitting, and readiness for construction. This role serves as the primary Development Services representative and point of contact for clients and is accountable for project performance, schedule adherence, budget management, and successful project delivery aligned with client objectives and firm standards.
The Development Manager provides technical expertise in land development and civil coordination, ensuring that all due diligence, entitlements, design coordination, permitting, and jurisdictional approvals are executed efficiently and effectively. This position leads teams consisting of internal staff, external consultants, and client stakeholders, while proactively identifying risks, resolving issues, and maintaining alignment between project goals, technical requirements, and firm objectives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position may supervise Development Services team members assigned to their projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Client Leadership and Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary Development Services point of contact for assigned clients, maintaining strong, professional relationships and ensuring exceptional client service.
• Partner closely with client leadership and functional stakeholders, including Directors of Real Estate, Directors of Construction, Real Estate Managers, Design Managers, Construction Project Managers, and Store Planning teams.
• Advise clients on land development strategies, risks, feasibility considerations, entitlement challenges, jurisdictional requirements, and permitting timelines.
• Provide regular project status updates, reports, and executive-level summaries, including schedule, budget, risk mitigation strategies, and issue resolution.
• Represent the client and organization in meetings with municipalities, approving authorities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.
• Support client expansion initiatives and assist in identifying opportunities to expand services and strengthen client partnerships.

Land Development Project Management

• Lead and manage the full commercial land development lifecycle, including:
  
  • Site feasibility analysis and site selection support
  • Due diligence coordination (survey, geotechnical, environmental, utility, and site constraints analysis)
  • Entitlement and zoning approvals
  • Civil engineering and design coordination
  • Permitting and agency approvals
  • Pre-construction coordination and readiness
• Manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously, ensuring delivery within established scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and entitlement timelines.
• Identify project risks, constraints, and dependencies early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure project execution aligns with client standards, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and manage jurisdictional approval processes, including zoning approvals, conditional use permits, variances, site plan approvals, and development agreements.

Consultant and Multidisciplinary Team Leadership

• Lead, coordinate, and manage multidisciplinary teams consisting of civil engineers, architects, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, environmental consultants, traffic engineers, attorneys, and other specialists.
• Facilitate coordination between design teams, client stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Review and evaluate consultant deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure consultant performance meets contractual obligations, project timelines, and quality expectations.
• Lead project meetings, coordination calls, and progress reviews with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on accountability, efficiency, and successful project outcomes.

Financial and Contract Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets, ensuring projects remain within approved financial parameters.
• Review consultant proposals, negotiate scope and fees, and manage consultant contracts and expenditures.
• Monitor project financial performance, including budget tracking, forecasting, and cost control.
• Prepare and manage monthly invoicing and ensure timely and accurate billing in accordance with project progress.
• Identify and communicate scope changes and coordinate budget revisions and client approvals when necessary.
• Support financial reporting and profitability tracking for assigned projects and programs.

Technical Leadership and Expertise

• Provide expert technical guidance in all aspects of commercial land development, including:
  
  • Site planning and feasibility analysis
  • Civil engineering coordination
  • Entitlement strategies and approval processes
  • Utility infrastructure coordination
  • Stormwater management and drainage considerations
  • Site grading, access, and constructability considerations
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes, zoning ordinances, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate site constraints and develop practical solutions that align with design, operational, and cost objectives.
• Identify development risks and provide strategic recommendations to mitigate technical, regulatory, or schedule challenges.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Mentor, train, and support Development Services team members, providing technical guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees.
• Assist leadership in identifying staffing needs and participate in recruitment, candidate evaluation, and hiring processes.
• Promote best practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement within the firm.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of commercial land development processes, including feasibility, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and civil design coordination.
• Strong understanding of zoning regulations, land use requirements, and jurisdictional approval processes.
• Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, site design, grading, drainage, and infrastructure systems.
• Strong understanding of construction processes and constructability considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and consultant performance.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong client management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information clearly and professionally.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence and guide teams.
• High level of accountability, professionalism, and integrity.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with project management and scheduling software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms) preferred.
• Experience working with document management systems and collaboration platforms preferred.
• Willing to travel throughout the United States.
• Maintains a professional presence during virtual meetings. When participating in meetings through Microsoft Teams or other video conferencing platforms, employees are expected to be on camera unless otherwise approved or circumstances prevent camera use.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning or other related degree.
• 10 or more years' experience in commercial land development.
• Experience managing the land development process for commercial multi-site programs or multiple, complex, large projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading cross functional teams consisting of both internal and external roles in all phases of the commercial land development life cycle.
• Experience acting as client representative through all phases of the land development process including managing consultant teams, working with multiple jurisdictions, representing the client at public hearings, etc.
• Experience partnering with and supporting multiple client functional roles including, but not limited to, real estate, development, design, and construction.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you'll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.
Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.
We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.
BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.
Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.
Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.
Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provide