Director of Development/Construction

Sunda - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Senior

Detroit, MI

About the position

The Director of Development (DOD) will lead a best-in-class development function at Sunda LLC, overseeing a comprehensive range of responsibilities that are critical to the company's growth and success. This role requires a strategic leader who can collaborate effectively with both internal and external financial resources to complete financial models, including individual ROI and IRR models, and to engage in overall capital planning for multi-year development projects. The DOD will be instrumental in conducting market analysis, site search and selection, and negotiating business terms and lease agreements in conjunction with external legal resources. In addition to financial oversight, the DOD will be responsible for building out cost projections based on historical data and real-time market research. Quality control is paramount, as the DOD will oversee project punch lists, conduct six-month check-ups, and manage one-year warranty visits on all development work to ensure alignment with the company's vision. The role also encompasses project and contract management during the buildout phase, requiring the DOD to leverage and lead both internal and external project management resources. The DOD will work closely with the CEO and executive team to plan, budget, analyze, and execute the company's business growth development plan. This includes enhancing revenue through menu development, pricing strategies, and exploring ancillary business opportunities. The DOD will also manage investor relations, fostering new relationships and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, achieving expected sales projections. The expectation is for the DOD to oversee a complex real estate portfolio, focusing on delivering two to three new sites annually while maintaining ongoing oversight of all real estate assets. The DOD will embody Sunda New Asian's core values and behaviors, demonstrating strong analytical skills, project management capabilities, and effective communication. This role requires a high degree of travel to various company locations, construction sites, and potential real estate acquisitions, making it essential for the DOD to be adaptable and responsive to the dynamic needs of a startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with financial resources to complete financial models and overall capital planning.
• Conduct site search and selection for new development projects.
• Negotiate business terms and structure, including Letters of Intent (LOI) and leases.
• Buildout cost projections based on historical results and market research.
• Implement quality control on projects and oversee punch lists and warranty visits.
• Manage project and contract management during buildout, leveraging internal and external resources.
• Oversee all professional services including contractors, architects, and engineers.
• Evaluate and analyze Food and Beverage performance on a quarterly basis.
• Enhance revenue through menu development and pricing strategies.
• Foster new relationships with investors and manage investor relations.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant real estate and commercial construction experience.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects on time and on budget.
• Experience in overseeing and developing multi-unit commercial properties.
• A blend of real estate and construction experience in retail or restaurants is highly preferred.
• A Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, or a similar discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong Excel or Numbers spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to learn and work with third-party real estate analytics.
• Experience with project management tools like Gantt Charts.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Flexible work environment with travel opportunities.