Project Luong | Houston, Texas

Development Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Development Manager to lead complex real estate development projects from concept through completion. This role serves as the operational leader for multiple projects, integrating development strategy, financial analysis, entitlement coordination, consultant management, and construction oversight. Working closely with clients, public agencies, investors, and internal teams, the Development Manager is accountable for delivering projects that are financially sound, strategically aligned, and successfully executed.

Successful candidates thrive on complexity, own outcomes rather than tasks, and want to grow inside a firm that punches well above its weight.

Responsibilities

Client Leadership

• Serve as the primary client-facing point of contact from project kick-off through delivery
• Facilitate owner meetings, present milestone updates, and manage expectations proactively
• Build deep trust with clients, municipal partners, and community stakeholders
• Translate client goals into executable project strategies and schedules

Development Management

• Lead projects across the full development lifecycle: site selection, programming, entitlements, design, procurement, construction, and close-out
• Manage all project consultants, including architects, civil engineers, MEP engineers, surveyors, geotechnical firms, environmental consultants, legal counsel, and specialty subconsultants
• Maintain master project schedules, critical path milestones, and due diligence trackers
• Coordinate with asset managers, lenders, and equity partners on project requirements

Entitlements & Regulatory Approvals

• Lead city and county entitlement processes including rezoning, PUDs, special use permits, variances, and site plan approvals
• Manage relationships with planning departments, public works, utility providers, and elected officials
• Coordinate pre-application meetings, public hearings, and TIF or incentive district submissions
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess impacts on project feasibility and schedule

Financial Modeling & Feasibility

• Support the preparation and review of development proformas including revenue projections, cost estimates, and return analysis
• Assist in structuring capital stacks including equity, debt, P3 financing, tax credits, and public incentives
• Coordinate with third-party feasibility consultants and review deliverables for accuracy and assumptions
• Prepare investor-facing materials, project summaries, and financial narratives

Contractor Coordination & Construction Oversight

• Lead contractor procurement including RFP preparation, bid evaluation, and contract negotiation
• Kick off construction teams and establish project protocols, reporting cadences, and milestone tracking
• Monitor construction progress against schedule and budget and escalate variances proactively
• Review contractor pay applications, change orders, and project closeout documentation
• Coordinate punch lists, certificate of occupancy, and final project handoff to client

Contract & Vendor Management

• Solicit proposals, negotiate fees, and execute contracts with all project consultants and vendors
• Track and process vendor invoices, lien waivers, and project cost reconciliations
• Ensure all agreements align with project budget, schedule, and risk allocation standards

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive due diligence files, permitting logs, and project archives
• Prepare clear and concise project status reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Track action items, decisions, and issues logs across all active projects

Qualifications

Required:

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in real estate development, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder development projects from feasibility through completion.
• Direct experience leading entitlement and permitting processes with municipal and county agencies.
• Technical & Business Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, project budgeting, and analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality, accuracy, and momentum.
• Leadership & Communication
• Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, public agencies, and project stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Experience with public-private partnerships (P3), municipal development, or institutional projects.
• Background in hospitality, resort, waterpark, mixed-use, or destination development.
• Familiarity with development financing structures, including TIF and other public incentive programs.
• Experience delivering projects using design-build or integrated project delivery methods.
• MBA or graduate degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Why Project Luong

Project Luong is a growing design practice committed to doing architecture differently. We are a collaborative, architecture-led practice focused on creating meaningful civic and community-centered spaces. Our work spans recreation, community, hospitality, and public projects throughout Texas and beyond.

We believe successful projects come from strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and teams that care deeply about both design and execution. We are committed to mentorship, professional growth, and creating an environment where people can take ownership of their work while continuing to develop their skills and leadership.

PAY & BENEFITS

Project Luong offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that supports both professional growth and personal well-being, including:

• Salary – $82,000 to $150,000

Benefits include:

• Company-contributed Medical/Dental/Vision (we pay 80% of premiums for employees)
• Employee-paid Life/AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Company-matched 401K plan
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off
• 10 paid Holidays plus 2 days of Floating Holidays
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave (8 weeks)
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Flexible Hours
• Hybrid Weekly Work Schedule
• Flexible Location Program (July or December)
• MWBE Firm with Employee Diversity
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Professional Organization Memberships + Networking Events
• Breakfast every Tuesday
• Employee Social Activities and Teambuilding
• Exercise Facility on site (complimentary membership) 
• Voted “Best Places to Work: Small” in 2023 and 2024 by Houston Business Journal

Project Luong Development is built on the belief that the best projects come from teams that are fully invested in the outcome. We work across architecture, development, and advisory in ways that let us see the full picture and act on it. We are a small team that moves with purpose and operates with the trust, access, and accountability that larger firms cannot offer.

Our motto is simple: Do More. For our clients, for our communities, and for each other. If that resonates with you, we want to hear from you.