Director of Design & Development at Cytonn Investments

Responsibilities for the Director of Design & Development Job

• Working with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to establish the operational structures for the company;
• Oversee feasibility studies, including market research and surveys to ensure that contemplated developments are responsive to the prevailing economic, social and demographic trends; and to identify non obvious development opportunities;
• Coordinate site identification and acquisitions that are suitable for investment grade real estate targeted at Diaspora, High Net-worth and Global Markets investors;
• Coordinate the creation of compelling development concepts;
• Development of strong business cases for projects to ensure that developments are financially viable and can attract requisite funding;
• Develop permitting strategy and secure permits and requisite statutory approvals in coordination with municipal officials, legal counsel and architects;
• Manage the tendering process and assembling of development team, including architects, contractors, engineers, and development consultants; negotiate contracts and coordinate development team throughout the development process. The Senior Development Manager shall therefore be responsible to manage the development team for efficiency and maximum results;
• Guide teams through the design implementation process including conceptual, schematic, design development and construction documentation and signoff;
• Select and implement appropriate construction management approach on project-specific basis; therefore manage and oversee the approach selected;
• Develop and maintain Master Project Schedules;
• Monitor project progress including schedule and budget variance; manage team to deliver project on budget and schedule;
• Oversee vendor and project team members work to ensure compliance with contract and client expectations;
• Coordinating every phase of development and any additional project management activities as required.

Qualifications for the Director Of Design Job

• 10 years’ experience in real estate development including several years of experience in large developments / projects;
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, a post graduate degree will be an added advantage;
• Experience in managing real estate development projects, preferably with global markets experience;
• Experience must include demonstrable knowledge of real estate valuation techniques, project finance, development project cash flow modeling, public approvals and permitting/entitlement process;
• Experience managing contractors and architects through design and construction;
• Track record of managing projects to budget and schedule;
• Strong working knowledge of architectural drawings and furniture and space planning concepts;
• Strong analytic skills, including ability to independently conduct real estate financial analysis;
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Strong computer skills, including high level of proficiency in MS Excel, Power Point, and Word
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage productive relationships with development team members, public officials, funders and lenders, other staff, and the community;
• Ability to organize work, work independently, problem solve, and be persistent;
• Creativity, entrepreneurial, and a self driven attitude towards work, with a sense of humor is desired;
• Strong problem solving skills, with a bias to a sense of urgency;
• Ability to lead a team and work within a team in a fast paced environment.