Project Development Assistant Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Company

Our client is a privately held industrial real estate developer with a long-standing presence in the Southwestern United States. The firm acquires, develops, owns, and operates industrial real estate and has established a strong reputation for disciplined execution, long-term ownership, and entrepreneurial decision-making. Backed by a well-capitalized balance sheet and a conservative investment approach, the company has the flexibility to pursue opportunities across varying market cycles without relying heavily on institutional capital or excessive leverage.

The organization controls a significant pipeline of future development opportunities, including substantial land holdings in the Phoenix metropolitan area positioned for future growth. The company offers a collaborative environment, direct access to senior leadership, and the opportunity to oversee projects from concept through completion. This role provides meaningful responsibility, visibility within the organization, and the ability to help shape the execution of a growing development pipeline across Arizona.

Position

The Director will oversee industrial development projects throughout Arizona, serving as the owner's representative from site planning and preconstruction through project closeout. Reporting directly to senior leadership, this individual will work closely with general contractors, architects, engineers, consultants, municipalities, and internal stakeholders to deliver industrial facilities on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Responsibilities include budgeting, estimating, design coordination, procurement, contract negotiation, construction oversight, and management of all phases of the development and construction process.

The selected individual will lead the execution of ground-up industrial developments while managing project financial performance, construction progress, project risks, and stakeholder communication. Project sizes range from smaller tenant improvement assignments to large-scale warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, and industrial developments exceeding $50 million.

Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, budgets, and schedules to identify risks, opportunities, and potential cost-saving measures.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with general contractors, consultants, municipalities, and other key stakeholders throughout the Phoenix market.
• Provide construction input during project planning and design phases to support efficient project execution and value engineering initiatives.
• Track project progress and proactively address issues that may impact budget, schedule, quality, or overall project performance.
• Review contractor pay applications, change order requests, and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
• Coordinate permitting, entitlement, and municipal approval processes as necessary to support project timelines.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction activities, verify quality standards, and ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications.
• Prepare and deliver project status updates, financial reports, and construction progress reports to senior leadership.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate construction-related risks through proactive planning, coordination, and problem-solving.
• Evaluate contractor and consultant performance and provide recommendations regarding future engagement opportunities.
• Facilitate communication between ownership, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
• Coordinate with development teams throughout the entitlement, design, and permitting process to facilitate successful project execution.
• Provide construction leadership during land acquisition and predevelopment efforts, including contractor input, conceptual budgeting, and project scheduling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of project management experience within commercial construction.
• Proven experience managing vertical construction projects from preconstruction through completion.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, estimating, scheduling, budgeting, cost control, procurement, and design management.
• Experience managing office, industrial, retail, and tenant improvement projects.
• Solid experience with concrete tilt-up construction.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, including business and legal construction provisions.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with contractors, consultants, clients, and public officials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Procore, and related project management software.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.