Location: Intermountain West / Remote
Travel: 40% to Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Intermountain West destinations
Cardinal Lands is hiring a Senior Development Manager to oversee execution of its residential projects in the Mountain West. With a focus on pre-construction and construction management, the role is responsible for delivering projects from concept to completion. Reporting directly to the Managing Partners, the Development Manager will oversee day-to-day coordination among consultants, contractors, and stakeholders while supporting finance, design, and operations.
Cardinal Lands is a real estate development and operating platform specializing in branded residential communities. The company is setting a new standard for residential communities built on design, stewardship, and hospitality-rooted operations. Cardinal Lands properties feature amenities rooted in their natural context and are supported by a fully managed rental and caretaking program exclusive to owners.
With properties in Teton Valley, ID and Big Sky, MT and pipeline projects in Sun Valley, ID, Whitefish, MT, and Jackson, WY Cardinal Lands targets high-growth outdoor leisure markets.
Our core beliefs: Stewardship Through Ownership, Tradition Starts with Intent, People Make the Place, and Devotion to Craftsmanship are at the core of how we work.
The Senior Development Manager will oversee the execution of complex, design-driven residential projects from entitlement through delivery.
The role combines hands-on project management with design stewardship: directing consultants and contractors to maintain schedule, budget, and quality. Candidates must have experience navigating complex projects with steady urgency while maintaining design standards, clarity of process, and control. There is a clear path to leadership of Cardinal Lands' development efforts as the platform grows, including the opportunity to direct the hiring and build out of the development discipline within the company.
- Lead project management during pre-construction and construction for active development projects.
- Serve as point person and direct the work of external consultants including architects, designers, engineers, constructors, and third party providers
- Analyze architectural plans prior to construction to eliminate potential scope gaps and assess design feasibility.
- Advance land planning, design, entitlement, and permitting processes with discipline and foresight.
- Produce and maintain detailed reporting for investors, lenders, and internal stakeholders.
- Partner with the Managing Partners on underwriting, pro formas, and presentations for new opportunities.
- Closely observe the project through all phases to ensure everything is completed on time and according to the design documentation.
- Represent Cardinal Lands in site visits, design reviews, and municipal hearings.
- Maintain clarity across stakeholders and proactively surface risks before they escalate.
5-10 years of relevant experience overseeing design and construction in a real estate development, construction manager, or architect capacity with direct entitlement and permitting experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
- Track record of managing complex projects under tight timelines and high expectations.
- Exceptional organizational skills and proven ability to manage multiple concurrent work streams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to distill complexity into clarity.
- A strong personal standard for quality of work and reverence for quality design
- Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a lean, fast-moving environment.
1. Operates comfortably in the field, design studio, and investor meetings with equal credibility.
2. Thrives in ambiguity and builds systems where none exist.
3. Balances discipline around cost and schedule with a deep respect for design and community.
4. Has experience, empathy, and understanding for operating in niche markets.
5. Brings the judgment, discretion, and resilience required to contribute directly to the DNA of a growing company that prioritizes enduring design and active stewardship of its properties.
6. Excited to seize the opportunity to build a lasting company and shape some of the most compelling residential projects in the American outdoors.
Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to establish a high standard of work while creating a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
