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Real Estate Development Manager Jobs in California

CONAM

Real Estate Development Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Founded in 1975, CONAM Management operates in 10 states, across 26 key metropolitan markets ... Foundational knowledge of real estate development, construction, or related disciplines. * Strong ...

Francis Lorraine Inc

Real Estate Attorney

Irvine, CA

$225K - $250K/yr

Real Estate Associate - Construction Transactions Location: LA or Orange County, CA Experience ... project managers * Structuring and reviewing construction licenses, easements, and development ...

Terawatt Infrastructure

Development Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Role Description As a Development Manager at Terawatt, you will lead development deals for Terawatt ... You will work closely with the company's management team including the Real Estate, Energy, Finance ...

Real Estate Law Firms

Real Estate Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Advise clients regarding litigation strategy, risk assessment, and case developments. * Manage ... Experience in real estate litigation, foreclosure law, land use matters, or property disputes is ...

Am200 Law Firms

Real Estate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $400K/yr

... development, leasing, and disposition of commercial properties. This role offers direct client ... Coordinate transaction closings and manage post-closing matters. * Collaborate with clients ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Manager JobsReal Estate Development Manager Jobs in California

Real Estate Development Manager information

See California salary details

$53.8K

$100.9K

$159.9K

How much do real estate development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development manager in California is $100,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a development manager do in real estate?

A real estate development manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of real estate projects from conception to completion. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams, coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, and ensure projects meet legal, safety, and quality standards. Strong project management skills and knowledge of zoning, permits, and market analysis are essential in this role.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and project deadlines. In real estate development management, stress may also stem from managing multiple stakeholders, tight schedules, and regulatory compliance. Strong organizational and communication skills help manage workload and reduce stress levels.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development Manager vs Real Estate Project Coordinator?

AspectReal Estate Development ManagerReal Estate Project Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, or related field; often with experience in developmentBachelor's degree; entry-level or supporting role, often with some industry certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads development projects, interacts with stakeholders, oversees planning and executionSupports project teams, manages schedules, assists with documentation and communication
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, construction companies, property developersReal estate firms, construction companies, project management teams

The main difference is that the Real Estate Development Manager oversees entire development projects, making strategic decisions, while the Real Estate Project Coordinator supports project execution through administrative and coordination tasks. The manager has more responsibility for project success, whereas the coordinator focuses on supporting roles within the project team.

Do real estate developers make money?

Real estate development managers can earn significant income, often through salaries, bonuses, and profit sharing from successful projects. Their earnings depend on project size, experience, and the company's profitability, with some developers making substantial profits from property sales or leasing. Success in this role requires strong financial analysis, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by Real Estate Development Managers during the project lifecycle?

Real Estate Development Managers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning and permitting processes, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (including investors, contractors, and local authorities), and managing project timelines and budgets. Unforeseen issues like market fluctuations, community concerns, or construction delays can also arise, requiring strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Staying proactive and adaptable is essential for successfully bringing development projects from concept to completion.

What Does a Real Estate Development Manager Do?

A real estate development manager locates undeveloped land and oversees the work to prepare it for commercial or residential real estate construction. They may work on one or more development projects at a time and are knowledgeable of local real estate markets, growth trends, and occupancy rates in cities and counties. A good real estate development manager should be a strong negotiator.

What is the highest paid position in real estate?

In real estate, the highest paid positions are often executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Investment Officer (CIO) within large development firms or real estate investment trusts (REITs). These roles typically require extensive experience, strategic leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large portfolios or development projects, resulting in high compensation packages including salary, bonuses, and equity. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Real Estate Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Development Manager, you need expertise in project management, real estate finance, market analysis, and a relevant degree such as in business, finance, or urban planning. Familiarity with property management software, financial modeling tools, and an understanding of zoning and permitting processes are typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help drive projects forward and foster productive relationships with stakeholders. These competencies are vital for successfully managing complex development projects from concept to completion while maximizing profitability and minimizing risks.

What does a Real Estate Development Manager do?

A Real Estate Development Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of property development projects from inception to completion. Their responsibilities include identifying potential development opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, securing financing, managing budgets, obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. Their goal is to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations, while also meeting the financial and strategic objectives of investors or property owners.
More about Real Estate Development Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development Manager jobs in California? For Real Estate Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Real Estate Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Real Estate Development Manager job openings:
Real Estate Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 57% In-person, 29% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,932 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Development Manager Intern

Development Manager Intern

E.M. Hundley Hardware Co.

Oakland, CA

$24 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Please be advised that housing or relocation assistance is not provided for intern positions within our San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, New York or Hawai'i divisions.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. H-1B lottery registration submission and completion of the STEM OPT I-983 training plan are considered sponsorship.

Job Description Summary:

The Graduate Development Intern will support the Development Manager and broader Lindgren team on active real estate development and investment initiatives.
This role offers hands-on exposure across the full development lifecycle, including acquisitions, due diligence, design, construction, and asset management, while building practical experience in a fast-paced, vertically integrated development platform.
The ideal candidate is a graduate student with strong analytical skills, curiosity, and a desire to build a career in real estate development.
Target Duration: 6-12 months (full-time)
Location: Primarily remote (Denver / L.A. / Bay Area preferred)
Travel: Limited, based on project needs
Compensation Range: $24.00-$29.00 Hourly Rate.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities and Learning Areas
Operations & Project Coordination
Provide general administrative support to the real estate development team as
needed
Assist with coordination of internal and external meetings, including agenda
development, tracking action items, and meeting minutes.
Maintain organized project documentation and support team communication
across stakeholders
Identify opportunities to improve workflows and team efficiency
Support preparation of project materials including budgets, schedules, and
reporting packages
Development, Design & Construction
Assist with review of design documents, budgets, and schedules to identify risks or gaps
Support coordination with consultants, contractors, and internal teams
Track project milestones, budget updates, and key deliverables
Participate in construction and design meetings to build understanding of
project execution
Due Diligence & Acquisitions
Assist with underwriting, market research, and site feasibility analysis
Support due diligence efforts, including review of entitlements, zoning, and
consultant reports
Help organize transaction materials and track diligence timelines
Asset Management Exposure
Assist with tracking asset performance (leasing, operating metrics, budgets)
Support preparation of internal reporting and investment updates
Participate in strategic discussions around asset optimization and operations
Qualifications
Required
Currently enrolled or graduated from a graduate program focused on real estate or the built environment
Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Interest in real estate development, construction, and investment
Preferred
Prior internship or experience in real estate, construction, or finance
Familiarity with real estate financial modeling and basic underwriting concepts
Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a team environment

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