ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raya Workforce

Development Project Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Development Project Manager Location: Redwood City, CA (Northern California) Employment Type: Full-Time About the Opportunity A rapidly growing residential housing developer is seeking an experienced ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Jobs in California

Project Development information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$93.3K

$140.1K

How much do project development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development in California is $93,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Development vs Project Management?

AspectProject DevelopmentProject Management
Primary FocusPlanning and creating project concepts, designs, and initial phasesExecuting, monitoring, and closing projects to meet objectives
Required SkillsDesign, technical knowledge, planningLeadership, organization, communication
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering, R&DProject teams, client interactions, coordination
CertificationsDepends on industry; often technical or design certificationsPMP, CAPM, or similar project management certifications

While project development focuses on creating and designing project concepts, project management involves overseeing the execution and delivery of those projects. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely, but they emphasize different stages of the project lifecycle.

What does a project developer do?

A project developer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing projects from inception to completion. They analyze project requirements, secure necessary permits, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets, often using project management tools and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Project Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Project Development often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, managing shifting project requirements, and ensuring timely resource allocation. These obstacles can be addressed by maintaining clear communication channels, implementing regular project check-ins, and utilizing effective project management tools. Building strong relationships across departments and fostering a transparent team culture also help in navigating complex project landscapes and achieving successful outcomes.

Is PM a stressful job?

Project management (PM) can be stressful due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and coordinating multiple stakeholders. Successful PMs often develop strong organizational and communication skills to manage workload and mitigate stress levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Project Development, and why are they important?

A successful career in Project Development requires strong project management skills, analytical abilities, and a relevant degree such as business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP or Prince2 are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills enable professionals to coordinate teams and drive projects forward. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to stakeholder satisfaction.

What is the highest paying project management job?

Senior executive roles such as Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, or Director of Project Management typically offer the highest salaries in project management, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications like PMP or PgMP, and strong leadership skills. Industries such as technology, finance, and engineering tend to pay these roles more competitively.

What is project development work?

Project development work involves planning, designing, and organizing projects to meet specific goals within set timelines and budgets. It often includes tasks such as feasibility analysis, resource allocation, and coordinating teams, requiring skills in project management tools and methodologies like Agile or Waterfall.

What is project development?

Project development is the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring a specific project from an initial idea to successful completion. This involves defining project goals, creating detailed plans, securing funding, coordinating teams, and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle. Effective project development ensures that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as construction, energy, technology, and nonprofit sectors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Development jobs in California? For Project Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Development job openings:
Project Development jobs near you
Director, Project & Development Services

Director, Project & Development Services

Cushman & Wakefield

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 158 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title
Director, Project & Development Services
Job Description Summary
The Director is responsible for the successful management of the design, planning and construction of projects by leading individual, multidisciplined real estate solutions for clients. This role is directly accountable for managing and accomplishing all project requirements/objectives determined for the project by client. Director level is expected to develop business opportunities, manage accounts with teams, and be a steward of the CW PDS reputation in the LA market.
Job Description
Essential Job Duties:
  • Regular interface with internal and external clients to ensure successful delivery of project management services, client goals and objectives are established and achieved, project action plans are implemented, anticipate/respond to all client needs, and generally act as a trusted advisor for comprehensive real estate work.

  • Act with fiduciary responsibility to client projects, including complete financial management of project: establish and manage project budgets, maintain monthly forecasts and cash flow analysis, prepare anticipated cost reports and any other reports as required by the client.

  • Management of due diligence, programming, design, entitlements, bidding, permitting, procurement, design team selection, schedule creation/management, contractor selection, vendor selection, sustainability and post construction services.

  • Demonstrate competence in broad range of varied project types and operate in complex / non routine environments. Entertainment Industry, Studio Campus, E-Gaming, Office, Manufacturing, and Law Firm experience are all pluses.

  • Be able to adapt to various client platforms and requirements in an efficient and effective manner.

  • Contribute to business development through identification of project or client opportunities, as well as fostering relationships with industry partners.

  • Oversee capital improvement programs with design and construction processes at multiple sites through local/account-based resources.

  • Knowledge of market consultants and vendors. Negotiate contracts with selected vendor(s) and manage performance of all contracted vendors, consultants, etc.

  • Identify and address areas of concern regarding potential liabilities and risk (fee, our reputation, errors and omissions, etc.) with Market Leader.

  • Provide an appropriate level of on-site supervision to ensure proper performance criteria are being met.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use and application of all PDS technology as required for assigned projects.

  • Active management of PDS staff, including adherence to company policy/procedures, staff development, performance management, and team motivation. Convey and ensure adoption of policies and practices to the team. Be a leader and assist with mentorship responsibilities as the opportunities arise.

Education/Experience/Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration or related field. Master's degree preferred. Certification preferred.

  • Twelve or more years of related experience with 2 or more years of management experience required.

  • Ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the assigned department or assigned practice area.

  • Advanced project management skills with expertise in the project management business.

  • Expert in client relations, client management and consulting.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Highly organized with strong analytical skills.

  • A proficient working knowledge of accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, scheduling and processes as they relate to corporate real estate, design and construction.

  • Software skills: Microsoft Office applications, MS Project, Smartsheets, ProCore, and AI Skills (a plus).

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 174,250.00 - $205,000.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

What Cushman & Wakefield employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply