Development Manager

About the role

Manage the full development lifecycle: feasibility, consenting, design and construction coordination, budget and programme control, and handover. Big emphasis on the leasing strategy and tenant mix across the commercial portfolio, working directly with the external property management company and agents.

Own the commercial performance of Parohe Island Retreat and Central Lofts with accountability for revenue growth across events, wellness and accommodation channels.

Hold a strong working understanding of property accounting, working with the banking relationships and facility structures, and with the Group's financial controller to ensure timely, accurate reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development and repositioning initiatives across the commercial portfolio, including vacancy resolution and redevelopment/conversion opportunities

• Manage the full development lifecycle: feasibility, consenting, design and construction coordination, budget and programme control, and handover. 2 current projects being a townhouse project in Wanaka and bulk retail Timaru

• Own the leasing strategy and tenant mix across the commercial portfolio, working with the external property management company

• Oversee tenant relationships for key and anchor tenants, and lead or support agent engagement and leasing campaigns for vacant space

• Monitor portfolio performance (occupancy, rental income, outgoings, capex) against budget and report regularly to the Director

• Own the commercial performance of Parohe Island Retreat a wellness retreat and Central Lofts an air bnb project in queenstown, with accountability for revenue growth across events, wellness and accommodation channels

• Oversee, suggest direct sales and marketing activity (digital marketing, EDM, social, SEO, partnerships) and ensure the booking engine and pricing strategy are optimised

• Work with banking relationships, facility structures, covenant compliance and funding requirements for development and working capital

• Act as the primary relationship holder for external consultants, the property management company, joint venture partners, and professional advisers

About you

• Minimum 15 years' experience in commercial and residential property development in New Zealand , including feasibility, delivery and asset repositioning

• Proven property management experience, including direct or oversight experience of leasing, tenant management and portfolio performance

• Demonstrated sales and marketing leadership, ideally having some hospitality, tourism, events or a comparable premium/experiential business

• Strong accounting literacy and banking experience — comfortable reading financial statements, managing budgets, and engaging directly with banks and lenders on facilities and covenants

• Relevant tertiary qualification in property, business, finance or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered

• Highly self-sufficient and comfortable operating without administrative support, including using AI tools as a core part of daily working practice

• Commercially sharp, hands-on and comfortable moving between strategic and operational detail across development, property management, hospitality and finance

• Strong relationship manager — able to work effectively with external consultants, JV partners and property managers without direct authority over them

• Clear, direct communicator with strong written reporting skills; trusted to represent the Group externally