Real Estate Development Internship Jobs in Houston, TX

indiGO Auto Group represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance automotive retail in the United States, representing the world's most prestigious automotive brands. We are committed to delivering industry-leading customer experiences, and our facilities play a critical role in bringing these brands to life.
As indiGO continues on a steep growth trajectory and invests heavily in its real estate footprint, we have a substantial pipeline of new developments, expansions, relocations, and OEM-driven Corporate Identity (CI) renovation projects across Texas, California, Colorado, and other key markets.
To support this growth, we are seeking a Director of Real Estate Development to successfully deliver our real estate projects from concept through operational handover.
The Director of Real Estate Development will be responsible for realizing approved new properties, facility expansions, relocations, and OEM-driven renovation projects, working closely with executive leadership, dealership operators, OEM partners, consultants, municipalities, and contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and in accordance with brand standards.
About indiGO Auto Group and Pon North America:
indiGO Auto Group is a leading player in the U.S. market for luxury and performance automobiles. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years and today operates 33 dealerships across five states: California, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Colorado. Through these dealerships, indiGO represents 16 iconic automotive brands and continues to expand its presence in some of the most attractive luxury automotive markets in the country.
Our portfolio includes many of the world's most prestigious brands, including Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, McLaren, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Hyundai, Maserati and Pagani.
At indiGO, we believe our facilities are more than physical assets. They are a reflection of our brands, our people, and our commitment to exceptional customer experience. We are seeking exceptional talent to help shape and preserve that vision.
What truly differentiates indiGO is its culture. We are a highly entrepreneurial organization where talented people are given the trust, responsibility, and freedom to drive initiatives that support the company's ambitious growth plans. We value ownership, accountability, and collaboration, and we believe our success is built on empowering people to make an impact.
indiGO Auto Group is a portfolio company of Pon Holdings, a leading family-owned international mobility group headquartered in the Netherlands. Pon Holdings generates annual revenues of more than $10 billion, employs approximately 11,000 people, and operates in 32 countries worldwide. In addition to its automotive activities across the United States, the Netherlands, and Asia, Pon is also one of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers through a portfolio of internationally recognized bicycle brands
The Opportunity
The Director of Real Estate Development will be responsible for realizing approved new properties, facility expansions, and OEM-driven CI renovation projects from initial concept through operational handover.
This individual will serve as the central project leader, coordinating internal stakeholders, OEM partners, consultants, municipalities, and contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and in accordance with brand standards.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of dealership development projects, facility expansions, relocations, and OEM-driven facility upgrades from concept through completion and handover to operations.

• Design & Engineering
  • Coordinate architects, engineers, and external consultants.
  • Oversee design development and technical planning.
  • Ensure facilities meet operational needs, local requirements, and long-term business objectives.
• OEM Coordination
  • Act as the primary interface with OEM real estate and facility teams.
  • Manage facility approval processes and Corporate Identity compliance requirements.
  • Ensure alignment between project execution and OEM brand standards.
• Budgeting, Accountability & Cost Control
  • Develop project budgets and capital expenditure forecasts.
  • Maintain accountability for project financial performance.
  • Monitor expenditures, manage contingencies, and identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Bid & Procurement Management
  • Lead contractor and consultant selection processes.
  • Coordinate competitive bidding activities.
  • Negotiate contracts and oversee procurement strategies to achieve optimal value and quality
• Permitting & Municipality Relationships
  • Manage entitlement, zoning, permitting, and regulatory approval processes.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with municipalities, permitting authorities, and public agencies.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate approval-related risks.
• Construction Execution
  • Oversee construction activities from mobilization through project completion.
  • Monitor schedule, budget, quality, and safety performance.
  • Resolve project issues and facilitate timely decision-making.
• Project Management & Contractor Coordination
  • Serve as overall project manager for assigned projects.
  • Coordinate OEMs, operators, architects, consultants, contractors, landlords, and internal stakeholders.
  • Provide regular project reporting to executive leadership.
  • Manage project risks, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations.
• Operational Handover
  • Lead project close-out and transition into dealership operations.
  • Ensure all punch-list items, documentation, training, warranties, and approvals are completed.
  • Deliver facilities that are fully operational and ready to support exceptional customer experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in real estate development, construction management, owner's representation, or corporate real estate.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex development and construction projects.
• Experience managing architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements across multiple states.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, procurement, permitting, and construction management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, proactive problem-solver with an ownership mindset. Ability to work independently while leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the U.S. (30-50% of the time), primarily across Texas, California, Colorado, Missouri, and Arkansas.
• Valid driver's license and ability to successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive retail, luxury retail, hospitality, commercial real estate, or similar customer-facing environments.
• Experience with OEM facility programs and Corporate Identity requirements.

What we offer:

• Competitive pay plus bonus target
• Comprehensive insurance plans: medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, and flexible spending account.
• 401(k) plus company match.
• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays.
• Unlimited professional training opportunities.
• Significant opportunity for advancement within a rapidly growing company.
• Access to brand new, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• Work directly with the world's leading luxury and performance automotive brands.
• Being part of an entrepreneurial, supportive and fun team culture.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as dictated by business needs and organizational evolution. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as assigned by their supervisors.
indiGO Auto Group is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, advancement, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.