Associate Development Manager

• Opportunity to accelerate your career growth!
• Work on a large, confirmed pipeline with one of New Zealand's biggest developers
• Competitive salary + numerous staff benefits
• Flexible working arrangements.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Associate Development Manager who is eager to learn from some of the best in the industry and take the next step in their professional journey.

Working under the strategic direction of the Senior Development Manager, this role is responsible for overseeing small to medium‑scale development or regeneration projects, as well as defined components of larger initiatives. You will be involved across all phases of the development lifecycle — including feasibility, planning, consenting, and delivery — ensuring each project meets agreed programme, design, commercial, and quality objectives.

There is also the opportunity to support the acquisitions team, contributing to the identification and evaluation of new opportunities. This includes working with demographic, sales, and other market data to validate prospects, supporting due diligence activities, and assisting with preparation for Board approval processes.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Market Assessment - Prepare development briefs, completing feasibility assessments, including financial modelling and risk analysis to support business case preparation.

Project Coordination - Lead small to medium projects, managing programmes, budget components and reporting, coordinating consultant teams with performance oversight, identifying and escalating risks.

Planning & Approvals - Lead resource consent and planning applications, managing all documentation, compliance and submission requirements, and liaising with councils and regulatory authorities.

Design & Delivery Support - Coordinate with operations and sales to bring product to market and operationalise sites. Support value‑engineering, manage consultant appointments along with procurement processes.

Project Governance - Ensure all development proposals align with parameters, chair monthly development steering group meetings, reporting and escalation of project risks.

About you

We are looking for a person who is keen to accelerate their career forward, with previous experience (2 -5 years) in commercial property development/project management experience, along with the following.

• A relevant degree in Property, Architecture, Project Management, Construction, Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience in master planning and managing design processes in line with NZCIC guidelines
• Proven ability to lead consultant teams through resource consent, building consent and Code Compliance Certificate processes
• Demonstrated experience procuring and managing construction for medium to large‑scale projects
• Excellent communication both written and verbal

About us

Established in 1984, Metlifecare is a leading owner and operator of retirement villages, providing rewarding lifestyles and care to more than 7,300 New Zealanders. We pride ourselves on providing retirement communities in which people are empowered to be the very best version of themselves.

Our Benefits!

• 3 paid wellness days per annum
• 1 paid day of leave to celebrate your birthday each year
• Health Insurance - automatic cover free to all permanent staff
• 26 weeks of parental leave on full pay and 5 days paid leave for partners.
• Kiwisaver payments continued for those opted in over the age of 65 years
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Refer a friend incentive of up to $1500*
• Education, Development and Training Support

How to apply

Please apply by clicking on the below APPLY NOW button or by visiting our careers page www.careers.metlifecare.co.nz/home

Not sure if this role is for you but interested in what else Metlifecare has to offer? Then please visit our careers page www.careers.metlifecare.co.nz/home to see our other current vacancies.

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Please note that Identification and work eligibility is required with your application.