Development Manager – West Region | Denver, CO

Shape Multifamily Communities Across the West from Acquisition Through Permitting

As a Development Manager – West Region at Thompson Thrift, you will be based in Denver, CO, while leading and coordinating key aspects of multifamily real estate development projects throughout Thompson Thrift’s West Region, including Texas, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and Montana.

You’ll manage projects from acquisition through permitting, working across internal teams, municipalities, consultants, legal counsel, and construction partners to keep projects aligned with quality, schedule, process, and financial standards. This role provides the opportunity to work across multiple markets and help drive Thompson Thrift’s continued multifamily development throughout the western United States.

Why Thompson Thrift?

Thompson Thrift is an integrated, full-service real estate company engaged in the development, construction, leasing, and management of high-quality multifamily communities nationwide. We’re committed to building exceptional places — and developing the people who make them possible.

At Thompson Thrift, you’ll find:

Values-Driven Culture — Excellence, Service, and Leadership guide everything we do
Career Growth — Training, mentorship, and long-term development opportunities
Work-Life Support — Competitive benefits, flexibility, and wellness programs
Real Impact — Hands-on involvement in industry-leading multifamily projects

Your Role as a Development Manager

As a Development Manager, you will help drive real estate development projects through acquisition, due diligence, zoning and entitlements, design coordination, permitting, and agency approvals. You’ll own development schedules and deliverables while proactively identifying risks, resolving issues, and coordinating the stakeholders necessary to move projects forward.

This role works closely with sellers, legal counsel, municipalities, consultants, accounting, construction partners, and internal teams. You’ll also serve as a primary point of contact with review agencies, helping ensure projects meet applicable state and local requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Lead coordination among sellers, legal counsel, municipalities, consultants, internal teams, and construction partners
Own development schedules, deliverables, and issue resolution throughout the development process
Coordinate title review and support financing and appraisal packages in partnership with accounting
Manage due diligence timelines and contract milestones while identifying and mitigating development risks
Participate in easement negotiations and coordination
Lead zoning and entitlement analysis, including permitted uses, signage, landscaping, setbacks, and other municipal requirements
Direct utility planning and coordination and manage the platting and subdivision process
Lead variance strategies, applications, and approvals
Coordinate survey, civil engineering, architectural, and consultant teams
Own site planning to align project goals, budgets, and required approvals
Develop and manage permitting strategies, schedules, submittals, filing deadlines, and approval timelines
Serve as the primary point of contact with review agencies and attend required meetings
Coordinate compliance with state and local agencies, including Departments of Transportation and Environmental Management
Maintain accurate, organized project documentation and ensure timely partnership reporting and internal documentation

Our Ideal Candidate for this Role

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study.

Experience

3+ years of relevant experience
Real estate development experience preferred

Skills & Attributes

Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and project tracking tools
Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Collaborative, team-oriented approach
Ability to take ownership, adapt to changing project needs, and proactively resolve development issues