Commercial Development Project Manager

Department: Development and Asset Management

Reports to: Director of Commercial Development  

Positions Supervised: None

Status: Full-time

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification: This position is classified as exempt and is not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Why Chinburg?

Founded by Eric Chinburg in 1987, Chinburg is a dynamic and growing company based in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire with projects and properties in NH, ME, and VT. Over four decades, the company has evolved from a small business into one of the most trusted names in quality development, building, renovation, construction management, and property management. Chinburg’s success is rooted in building strong relationships with customers, employees, and business partners alike.

Chinburg is known for its innovative development philosophy and commitment to incorporating best practices, including a strong focus on green building principles. Our expanding team includes professionals from diverse educational backgrounds. In recent years, we have welcomed top talent from respected institutions such as Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, the University of New Hampshire, and MIT. On our team, we have experienced professionals from various industries and trade certifications. We have a strong focus on professional development.

At our core, Chinburg remains a family-founded business, and we continue to embrace new employees as part of our extended family. We value individuals who bring warmth and confidence, along with grit and determination, to our team.

Position Summary:  

The Commercial Development Project Manager plays a key role in managing all phases of commercial real estate development projects (primarily multifamily residential and mixed-use), from acquisition through entitlement, construction, leasing, and transition to asset and property management. This position supports and drives development initiatives by coordinating consultants, managing budgets and schedules, participating in due diligence and entitlement processes, and serving as an owner’s representative throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Acquisitions, Due Diligence, & Project Feasibility 

Support evaluation of prospective acquisitions through market studies, zoning analysis, site feasibility, massing and programming concepts, and conceptual pro forma development.

Coordinate and manage acquisition due diligence activities, including inspections, consultant reports, and document tracking.

Serve as a central point of contact and repository for due diligence information.

Entitlements & Project Planning

Manage and track entitlement requirements, schedules, and approvals at the local, state, and federal levels.

Coordinate consultant selection and oversee third-party consultants throughout the entitlement and design process.

Facilitate coordination among architects, engineers (MEP/FP), attorneys, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, design, finishes, amenities, and operational requirements. 

Assist with managing project specific design schedule. 

Prepare and submit entitlement and permit applications, coordinate signatures, filings, recordings, and distribution of approved documents.

Manage completion of entitlement conditions of approval and municipal bonding requirements.

Coordinate utility setup and service connection to include such tasks as load letter preparation, collection of will serve letters, submission of work order requests, on-site meetings, expediting of utility payments for new service, and processing utility easements.

Working with Property Management, create low voltage plans (security, tel/data, wifi) for review and bidding by Contractor. 

Lead coordination with internal Marketing team to assist with scheduling, signage design, and project details needed for marketing plan. 

Financing & Financial Management

Assist with preparation and refinement of project pro formas, including market research, rent studies, municipal fee calculations, construction interest analysis, assemble design and consulting budget from quotes and past projects, and track changes to building size, rentable square footage and rent roll as the design evolves. 

Provide support in preparation of investment pitch materials for debt, equity partners, and historic tax credit investors.

Assist in reviewing loan and equity terms. 

Assemble and transmit documentation for financing, appraisal, and underwriting processes.

Coordinate with insurance brokers to procure and maintain required insurance coverages, including builders risk, liability, property, flood, bonds, and umbrella policies.

Support loan and equity closing process by taking lead on project document distribution to loan participants, tracking and pursuing time-sensitive tasks from the closing checklist, and assisting in document review.

Project Management & Construction Administration

Provide construction administration support, including review of RFIs and submittals, change order evaluation, schedule monitoring, attendance at Owner|Architect|Contractor (“OAC”) meetings, and periodic site visits.  Track and manage key Owner issues for resolution.

Create, track, and manage owner’s project budgets, including contingency monitoring. 

Vet change orders with Contractor and present change orders to Owner for approval.

Serve as owner’s representative and primary contact for construction lenders, coordinating monthly loan draw submissions with the construction team.

Support lease-up pricing analysis and marketing strategy development.

Assist the commercial leasing team with lease preparation and tenant improvement scope definition.

For historic tax credit projects, assist with cost certification process by leading document sharing and communication with 3rd party accountants. 

Work with consultants and utilities to identify, pursue, and manage available incentive programs and rebates.

Manage and maintain organized digital project files and owner documentation. 

Lead project close-out and transition to Property and Asset Management.

Capital Projects Within Portfolio & Other Tasks

Perform development functions as needed for capital improvement projects within Chinburg’s stabilized portfolio. Depending on the project, this may include such tasks as scope and design management, contractor engagement and management, pro forma analysis, owner’s budget preparation, entitlements, and assisting with raising debt and/or equity to fund the project. 

Serve as owner’s representative through full life cycle of the project. Manage owner’s budget, oversee and track capital disbursements, participate in OAC meetings to ensure project execution meets scope, schedule and financial targets. 

Perform other duties as assigned to support commercial development and asset management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint; experience with financial and project management platforms preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent financial and analytical capabilities.

Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.

High sense of urgency with strong follow-through and accountability.

Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work within deadlines.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

Highly organized, dependable, and adaptable with a strong desire to learn.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Finance, Economics, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

3-7 years of progressive experience in commercial real estate development.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This job description does not represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills assigned to this position. This position description is not intended as and does not create a contract of employment between the company and any individual employee. The company reserves the right to change this position description at any time within its sole discretion.

Equal Opportunities:

Chinburg is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take unbiased action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or ability status. Our methods for hiring include ensuring that all available opportunities are fairly promoted — via online globally available channels — in a manner accessible to all potential applicants.