Director of Project Management & Design

Are you interested in joining a dynamic, challenging, and talented real estate development group?

DDC Management (DDCM) is a fully integrated real estate development company that is focused on relationship-based, development solutions.  With groups specializing in residential and commercial projects, DDCM adjusts solutions to match today’s challenges. DDCM is part of the Leadwise group of companies which also include CESO (a commercial design firm), Threecore (a commercial general contractor), and Hartizen Homes (a residential home builder). We have assembled over 500 talented professionals throughout the Leadwise organization committed to serving our clients, our coworkers, and our communities. We share a common mission of “finding purpose through serving others,” so if this speaks to you, let’s connect!

As a Director of Project Management & Design at DDC Commercial, your roles and responsibilities include:

• Lead the entitlement process from due diligence through municipal approvals.
• Coordinate and submit applications for zoning changes, variances, use permits, site plan approvals, and other required land use entitlements.
• Build and maintain relationships with city/county planning staff, zoning boards, and local officials.
• Attend and present at public hearings, planning commission meetings, and neighborhood outreach events.
• Oversee conceptual site planning and architectural design efforts.
• Collaborate with architects, civil engineers, landscape designers, and consultants to align design with project goals and jurisdictional requirements.
• Ensure design documents meet zoning, code, and development standards.
• Review design submittals for quality, consistency, and feasibility.
• Support internal development team through feasibility and due diligence processes.
• Develop and manage project schedules related to design and entitlement milestones.
• Maintain records of approvals, correspondence, and regulatory conditions.
• Identify and mitigate entitlement risks that may impact cost, schedule, or viability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in entitlement management, planning, or design within commercial real estate or land development.
• Experience working with municipal planning departments and entitlement processes is essential.
• Strong understanding of zoning laws, planning codes, permitting, and entitlement procedures.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret design and civil drawings.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to manage public-facing meetings and negotiations.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations (CEQA/NEPA, etc.) is a plus.
• Time management
• Communication skills
• Technical knowledge

• Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule
• Paid Time Off – Credited to You 100% Upfront
• Paid Holidays
• Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage including High Deductible Health Plan
• 401K with a Company Match
• Casual Dress Code
• Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events
• Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Bonding and Recovery
• Employee events such as lunches and outings to foster a positive work environment

The successful candidate will receive training and coaching on the job from professionals with extensive experience. They will interact with construction, finance, legal, design, and development professionals. In addition to a comprehensive benefit and compensation program, our work environments are warm inviting spaces to collaborate with your coworkers.

DDC Commercial is a principle-centered organization, thinking and acting in alignment with strong values of service, integrity and authenticity. We are in offices with other Leadwise company staff and create memories and friendship through employee and service events including lunches, birthday celebrations, outings, and community service opportunities.

We are an elite, lean and nimble team and seek candidates that want to grow their development career. If this speaks to you, let's connect!

DDCM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.