Development Manager Full Time

Hillwood Communities is seeking a Development Manager to join its growing business in Houston, TX. Reporting directly to the General Manager of the Houston division, this individual will play a critical role in driving the development initiatives forward for both new and existing Hillwood Communities projects in the Houston region. The Development Manager will work closely with the Project Team to coordinate pre-construction activities, manage consultant relationships, and oversee key financial and regulatory components of the development process.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of development strategy, financial analysis, and project execution with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, manage vendor relationships, and optimize construction timelines. The Development Manager will ultimately play a pivotal role in ensuring that each project meets strategic, financial, and community engagement goals—contributing directly to Hillwood’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities:

Pre-Development Planning and Coordination:

• Coordinate with land planners, engineers, landscape architects, and city/county officials to achieve regulatory approvals and optimize community design.
• Assist with all design phases, collaborating with planning, civil engineering, architectural, geotechnical, and landscape teams.
• Negotiate and manage consultant contracts, ensuring scope alignment, cost control, and on-time deliverables.
• Oversee environmental surveys, geotechnical studies, and site-related due diligence documentation.
• Support and manage the entitlement process, including zoning, amendments, and local compliance.
• Facilitate design review meetings to ensure integration and efficiency.
• Manage preliminary design process and transition to final plat acceptance.
• Identify and coordinate off-site development requirements with municipalities and adjacent developments.
• Develop fast-track scheduling strategies and partner with municipal entities to expedite approvals.
• Coordinate with dry utility companies to plan the overhead, underground, and joint trench facilities in the community.

Project Budgeting and Financial Oversight:

• Maintain and track development budgets and schedules in alignment with market conditions and financial goals.
• Evaluate and implement value engineering strategies for cost efficiencies.
• Review and approve monthly consultant and vendor invoices with proper financial documentation.
• Support development of project budgets and ensure costs align with financing structures.
• Manage loan closing documentation, including financial and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop bank budget structures and cash flow models.
• Assemble development due diligence materials for appraisers and lenders.
• Oversee re-certifications of surveys, geotechnical reports, and environmental studies.
• Track and resolve post-closing financial issues and ensure lender compliance.
• Partner with Accounting to complete monthly bank draws with accurate cost tracking and reporting.
• Facilitate and prepare Utility District information for monthly meetings. Provide value projections bi-annually to the Financial Advisor to evaluate bond reimbursements.

Construction Management and Execution:

• Coordinate with jurisdictions and permitting authorities to streamline approvals and avoid delays.
• Develop structured bid pricing and negotiate construction contracts with clear scope and values.
• Finalize construction contracts and manage delivery schedules and cost controls.
• Participate in weekly job site meetings to monitor progress and resolve challenges.
• Maintain strong relationships with government personnel throughout the development cycle.
• Oversee utility connections and relocations, ensuring smooth integration with municipal and service providers.
• Review and process contractor pay applications with full financial compliance.
• Monitor monthly cost reports and identify potential risks or cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare Substantial Completion packages for builder clients, meeting quality and delivery standards.
• Lead post-construction debriefs to capture lessons learned and enhance future operations.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong foundation in design, construction, development, and project management with expertise in regulatory approvals and construction sequencing.
• Exceptional organizational skills, capable of prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Professional and effective interpersonal communication skills with teams, vendors, and government stakeholders.
• Advanced negotiation and contract management abilities.
• Strategic problem-solving mindset and ability to implement efficient solutions.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and development budgeting.
• Ability to identify innovative opportunities within the development cycle.
• Knowledge of municipal utility districts (MUDs) is a plus.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in development management, project development, or construction within residential projects.
• PE License preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with municipal utility districts (MUDs) or similar frameworks is a plus.

Source: Hillwood Career Page

Tagged as: Development Firm, REPE Firm