Senior Manager, Development // Gestionnaire principal·e, Développement at Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust in Montréal, QC

Job description

Location: 400 Avenue Sainte-Croix, Montréal, Quebec, H4N 3L6 Position Title: Sr. Manager, Development Office Location: Montreal Hybrid Model: 4 days in office Position Overview The Senior Development Manager will be responsible for managing commercial real estate development projects that align with Choice Properties' strategy across a multi-regional portfolio spanning Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and parts of Ontario. This includes overseeing project stages such as due diligence for site acquisition, site planning, multi-jurisdictional planning approvals/entitlements or development permits, and overall project management. The successful candidate will guide multiple commercial projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and regional regulatory requirements. The role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams-acting alongside Construction, Analytics, Accounting, Legal, Leasing and Asset Management as the primary point of contact. Accountabilities include leading project-scale budgeting, scheduling, and reporting. Responsibilities: Lead development and entitlement approval processes across multiple jurisdictions, navigating diverse municipal, regional, and provincial frameworks (including Official Plan/Master Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments, site planning controls, committee of adjustment/minor variances, development permits, and utility service applications). Develop appropriate consultant lists, manage RFP processes for design and technical consultants, and establish scopes of work. Develop and manage project schedules, incorporating roles, responsibilities, and critical path activities across internal teams and consultants. Identify and arrange the posting of all required securities and letters of credit (LCs), maintaining responsibility for ongoing monitoring and LC release. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external consultants through planning, permitting, and key project milestones. Proactively review and track critical dates, conditions, and obligations from project legal agreements, including commercial leases. Coordinate directly with Development Analytics to manage project proformas and budget updates. Coordinate with leasing teams to review tenant design criteria, integrate landlord work letters, and ensure lease milestone dates and tenant delivery obligations align with overall project schedules. Manage stakeholder relations by participating in public consultation sessions, addressing municipal councillor inquiries, and leading community engagement strategies to support complex rezoning and commercial entitlement processes. Assist in managing relationships with Joint Venture (JV) partners and clients. Qualifications: 7+ years of experience in real estate development or a related field, with multi-jurisdictional exposure considered a strong asset. Working familiarity with planning legislation, municipal approval processes, and real estate regulations across Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Ontario. Fully bilingual in French and English (written and spoken) to support project execution and stakeholder engagement. Post-secondary education/degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Real Estate or related field. Exceptional relationship-building, collaboration, and leadership capabilities to direct cross-functional teams and external consultants. Proven track record in managing proformas, budgets, schedules, contracts, and multi-disciplinary project teams from inception to closeout. Strong organizational, detail-oriented, and time management skills to handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Valid Class 5 (or equivalent) Driver’s License Exhibit Choice Properties’ CORE values and Blue Culture. About Choice Properties Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is an owner, manager and developer of well-located retail and commercial real estate across Canada. Choice Properties' portfolio spans approximately 65 million square feet of gross leasab