Project Manager (Residential Developments)

Job Description

• Our client, a well-established property development company, is seeking an experienced Project Manager – Residential Developments to manage the full lifecycle of residential development projects, from land acquisition and feasibility assessment through planning, design, procurement, construction, handover, and close-out.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards and business objectives. This role requires close collaboration with consultants, contractors, local authorities, financial institutions, sales teams, and internal stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes while maximising project profitability and mitigating risk.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development & Delivery

• Lead residential development projects from inception to completion.
• Develop and manage project execution plans, programmes, budgets, and risk registers.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary professional teams, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, environmental consultants, and town planners.
• Monitor project milestones and ensure the timely delivery of all project phases.
• Manage contractor performance and ensure compliance with contract conditions.
• Oversee project handovers, snagging processes, and defect management.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, environmental, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.

Quantity Surveying QS FunctionsCost Planning & Budget Management

• Prepare and manage development budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct cost planning, benchmarking, and feasibility cost assessments.
• Develop cash flow forecasts and monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or programme delivery.
• Monitor project contingencies and recommend corrective actions where required.

Procurement & Tender Management

• Prepare tender strategies and procurement plans.
• Manage the appointment process of consultants and contractors.
• Evaluate tender submissions and provide commercial recommendations.
• Negotiate contract prices and commercial terms.
• Ensure procurement activities align with approved budgets and project timelines.

Contract Administration

• Administer building contracts and consultant agreements.
• Evaluate and certify contractor payment applications.
• Assess and negotiate variation orders and contractual claims.
• Ensure contractual obligations are met by all parties.

Commercial Reporting

• Prepare monthly financial and commercial reports.
• Report on project financial performance and key commercial risks.
• Assist with final account negotiations and project close-out.

Acquisitions & Development FeasibilityLand Acquisition Support

• Assist in identifying suitable land acquisition opportunities for residential developments.
• Conduct preliminary desktop assessments of potential development sites.
• Coordinate due diligence investigations, including legal, technical, environmental, planning, and infrastructure assessments.
• Review zoning rights, development constraints, and planning requirements.
• Liaise with landowners, brokers, attorneys, and local authorities during acquisition processes.

Financial Feasibility Analysis

• Prepare and evaluate development feasibility models.
• Assess project viability, return on investment ROI, internal rate of return IRR, and project profitability.
• Analyse acquisition costs, infrastructure requirements, development costs, and revenue assumptions.
• Support investment committee submissions and acquisition recommendations.
• Monitor market trends and property values to inform acquisition decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in negotiations relating to land acquisitions and development agreements.
• Engage with government authorities and service providers regarding development approvals.

Project Controls & Risk Management

• Develop and implement project governance frameworks.
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage programme schedules and critical path activities.
• Ensure quality assurance procedures are adhered to throughout project delivery.
• Drive value engineering initiatives and continuous improvement practices.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in one of the following:

• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Civil Engineering
• Property Development

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in residential property development and project management.
• Proven experience managing multi-unit residential developments from acquisition through completion.
• Experience with land acquisition, due diligence, and feasibility assessments.
• Sound knowledge of South African planning, development, and construction regulations.
• Experience managing professional teams, contractors, and multiple concurrent projects.