Project Manager – Residential Developments

Job Specification: Project Manager - Residential Developments

Reporting To: CEO

Location: Stellenbosch

Position Purpose

The Project Manager - Residential Developments is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of residential

development projects, from land acquisition and feasibility assessment through planning, design,

procurement, construction, handover, and close-out. The role ensures projects are delivered on time,

within budget, and in accordance with quality standards and business objectives.

The incumbent will work closely with consultants, contractors, local authorities, financial institutions, sales

teams, and internal stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes while maximizing 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 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 and safety, and regulatory requirements.

Quantity Surveying (QS) Functions

Cost 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 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 Feasibility

Land 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:

o Construction Management

o Quantity Surveying

o Civil Engineering

o Property Development

Preferred

• Postgraduate qualification in Property Development, Construction Management, or Real Estate

preferred.

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.

• Knowledge of South African planning, development, and construction regulations.

• Experience managing professional teams, contractors, and multiple concurrent projects.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

A commercially astute Project Manager with strong residential development experience, capable of

managing projects from land acquisition through construction completion. The successful candidate will

combine project management expertise with solid quantity surveying, cost control, feasibility modelling,

and acquisition experience to maximize development value and ensure successful project delivery.