Economic Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

About the role

Our client in the real estate development space is seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead the planning and execution of a major mixed-use real estate project. This role offers the opportunity to shape a high-profile development from concept through delivery, working closely with ownership, financial partners, and a wide range of design and construction professionals.

The successful candidate will bring a strong blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with the ability to manage complex timelines, multi-disciplinary teams, and significant capital. This is a high-impact role suited to a development professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver a landmark project that contributes meaningfully to the surrounding community.

Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, the Senior Development Manager will play a central role in driving the project forward and ensuring its successful realization.

Lead the day-to-day management of the development project from initial feasibility through design, entitlement, construction, and lease-up or operational handover. Serve as the central point of coordination across internal stakeholders, external consultants, and contractors.

Manage the project schedule, budget, and scope, identifying risks and opportunities throughout the development lifecycle. Provide regular reporting to ownership and capital partners, including financial performance, milestone tracking, and risk assessments.

Oversee the selection and management of architects, engineers, general contractors, and other consultants. Lead RFP processes, evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage ongoing performance against agreed deliverables.

Coordinate entitlement, zoning, and permitting activities with municipal authorities and external advisors. Build and maintain strong working relationships with city and county officials, planning departments, and community stakeholders.

Conduct and oversee market research, financial modeling, and underwriting analysis to support decision-making throughout the project. Partner with finance and accounting teams on capital deployment, draw requests, and reporting to lenders and investors.

Drive the design and construction process to ensure alignment with the project's vision, quality standards, and financial objectives. Review design documents, value engineering opportunities, and constructability considerations in partnership with the design and construction teams.

Manage project closeout activities, including punch list completion, final documentation, warranties, and the transition to operations or property management.

Develop a deep understanding of the project's vision, financial structure, and current status. Establish strong working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders. Conduct a comprehensive review of project documentation, schedules, and budgets. Identify near-term risks and opportunities and develop action plans to address them.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in real estate development, construction management, or a related field
• At least 4 years in a project leadership or development management role with direct accountability for project outcomes
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated track record managing complex commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or institutional development projects
• Strong financial acumen with experience in project underwriting, budget management, and financial reporting
• Working knowledge of entitlements, zoning, and municipal permitting processes
• Experience leading RFP processes and managing relationships with architects, engineers, and contractors
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software
• Self-starter who thrives in a lean, fast-paced environment and is comfortable operating with significant autonomy
• Must be able to work on-site in Marion; this role is not remote-eligible

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on mixed-use, hospitality, entertainment, or large-scale community-impact projects
• Familiarity with Crittenden County and Eastern Arkansas municipal planning and permitting processes
• LEED accreditation or experience with sustainable development practices
• Experience working with public-private partnerships or economic development incentives

Benefits

Remuneration & Benefits Package

$130,000 - $170,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.

• Annual Bonus
• Comprehensive Healthcare
• Paid Time Off
• 401k

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