Understanding the Role
A Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE plays a strategic role, overseeing the end-to-end development lifecycle—from feasibility studies and site acquisition to design coordination, construction, and asset handover. Working closely with investors, architects, consultants, and contractors, the manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
In India, where the real estate market is both diverse and dynamic, our development managers must bring a deep understanding of regional trends, land use policies, and infrastructure challenges. They act as project visionaries, business strategists, and operational leaders—all rolled into one.
Key Responsibilities
CBRE’s Real Estate Development Managers in India handle a wide array of responsibilities that include:
Market Research & Feasibility Analysis: Conducting in-depth studies to evaluate the viability of projects, including demographic analysis, competitor benchmarking, and financial modeling.
Site Identification & Acquisition: Sourcing suitable land parcels, performing due diligence, and negotiating deals aligned with business objectives.
Project Planning & Design Coordination: Collaborating with architects, urban planners, and consultants to translate concepts into actionable plans that adhere to local codes and global standards.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating India’s complex approval processes—including land conversion, environmental clearances, and RERA compliance—to ensure timely project kick-offs.
Budgeting & Financial Management: Creating cost estimates, monitoring cash flow, and aligning capital expenditure with return on investment.
Construction Oversight: Managing timelines, quality control, and contractor performance to mitigate risk and deliver high-quality developments.
Client & Stakeholder Management: Acting as the key point of contact for investors, end-users, and internal teams to ensure transparent communication and successful outcomes.
Skills and Expertise
To succeed in this role, a Real Estate Development Manager must possess a robust blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and interpersonal skills. Some of the essential competencies include:
Strong knowledge of real estate laws and development regulations in India.
Proficiency in project management tools and financial modeling software.
An understanding of sustainable building practices and green certifications such as IGBC or LEED.
Exceptional negotiation, communication, and leadership capabilities.
At CBRE, we place a strong emphasis on continuous learning and innovation. Our development managers are supported by a global knowledge network and advanced analytics platforms that enable smarter, data-driven decision-making.
The Indian Market Landscape
India's urban population is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2031, creating a surging demand for housing, commercial spaces, logistics hubs, and mixed-use developments. Key cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are witnessing a boom in Grade A office spaces and premium residential projects.
Meanwhile, the government’s push for infrastructure development through initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), and Gati Shakti is further fueling opportunities for strategic real estate development. CBRE's Development Managers are actively involved in projects that align with these national priorities—driving social impact while delivering commercial value.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities
The career path for a Real Estate Development Manager at CBRE offers tremendous potential. Professionals often begin with a background in architecture, civil engineering, or urban planning, followed by specialization in real estate finance or project management. As they gain experience, they can move into senior leadership roles such as Development Director, Head of Projects, or even into client advisory and investment strategy functions.
CBRE’s strong culture of meritocracy, diversity, and global mobility allows employees to work on landmark projects, interact with global teams, and advance their careers with purpose and impact.
Why CBRE?
At CBRE India, we combine local expertise with global best practices. Our real estate development professionals benefit from industry-leading tools, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong ethical foundation that underpins every decision we make. Whether it’s redeveloping an urban center, designing a new tech park, or facilitating sustainable township planning, our development managers play a pivotal role in creating the built environments of the future.
We are proud to contribute to India’s growth story—one project at a time.
Join Us.
If you're a driven professional with a passion for shaping cities and transforming communities, explore career opportunities with CBRE India. Be part of a team that’s building a better tomorrow, today.
