Project Manager – Residential Developments (Stellenbosch Onsite) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A growing Property Development & Construction Group seeks a commercially astute Project Manager with strong Residential Development experience, capable of managing projects from land acquisition through construction completion.
• You will be 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. You 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.
• 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. You will require a Bachelor's Degree in: Construction Management/Quantity Surveying/Civil Engineering or Property Development or preferably a Postgraduate qualification in Property Development, Construction Management, or Real Estate.
• You must have 3-5 years' experience in Residential Property Development and Project Management including managing multi-unit Residential Developments from acquisition through completion, land acquisition, due diligence, and feasibility assessments & knowledge of South African planning, development, and construction regulations.

DUTIES:

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications –

• Bachelor's Degree in: Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Property Development.
• Preferred – Postgraduate qualification in Property Development, Construction Management, or Real Estate.

​​​​​​​Experience/Skills –

• 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.