Chief Development Officer (Design, Construction & Real Estate)
About the Opportunity
We are searching for a strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our design, construction, and real estate efforts, playing a critical role in our company’s growth and expansion. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader with extensive high volume experience in restaurant or retail development, possessing a deep understanding of the entire development lifecycle, from site selection and real estate acquisition to design, construction, and project completion.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy, including market analysis, site selection, real estate acquisition, and project prioritization.
- Oversee all aspects of the design, construction, and real estate acquisition process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet brand standards.
- Lead a team of design, construction, and real estate professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Manage relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, real estate brokers, and other key stakeholders.
- Negotiate and secure favorable contracts with vendors, suppliers, and landlords.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive design, construction, and real estate budget.
- Implement and oversee quality control measures throughout the development process.
- Analyze project performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in all aspects of development (real estate, design, construction).
- Stay current on industry trends and best practices in restaurant/retail design, construction, and real estate acquisition.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years of experience in restaurant or retail development leadership, with a strong understanding of real estate acquisition.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex development projects, encompassing real estate, design, and construction phases.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team of design, construction, and real estate professionals.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Financial acumen and experience in managing budgets across real estate, design, and construction.
- Proficiency in construction software, project management tools, and real estate databases.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.