Development Manager (Belgium)  Open

About the job

You step into the Louvain-la-Neuve office and start going through your e-mail. A question from the contractor about a technical detail in the construction drawings, an update from the asset manager about a potential tenant's interest in one of your projects and an invitation to a networking meeting on sustainable construction stand out. After a brief meeting with your project team, where the focus is on achieving the project goals, you leave for the construction site. Back at the office, you delve into the financial feasibility of a new project and start preparing for a presentation to management, outlining the strategic vision for the coming years. Your day ends with an interview with a potential tenant, in which you highlight the unique features of your projects. What a varied job you have as Development Manager at Kadans Science Partner. From technical challenges and innovative projects to building a strong network and realising sustainable solutions, no day is the same.

We will first introduce ourselves:
Kadans Science Partner focuses on the development and operation of inspiring commercial and office buildings, combined with laboratories, cleanrooms, research spaces, conditioned rooms, and pilot plants for R&D departments of knowledge institutions, educational institutions, and knowledge-intensive companies. We do this in innovative (top) sectors such as food, life sciences, health, living environment, biotechnology, biobased and high-tech semicon. We are the market leader in Europe and play an important role in the development of start-ups that grow into organisations that play an important role in sustainability and innovation worldwide. Think multi-tenant office buildings with a vibrant community, including lab spaces, clean rooms, and pilot plants. Besides that, we provide ready-made answers to complex accommodation issues and, as owners, we remain actively involved with our tenants. As knowledge and innovation are important drivers of economic growth, we bring our tenants together. This promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing not only in the buildings and on the campuses, but in the entire network of relationships.

Who are we looking for?
As Development Manager, you will be responsible for the successful realisation of our real estate projects. You will manage the entire development process and work closely with our team to achieve our ambitious goals in Belgium (both Wallonia and Flanders).

As Development Manager:

• You will be responsible for the entire development process of real estate projects, from initiative to completion. This includes land acquisition, design, permit applications, tenders, construction supervision and completion.
• Focus specifically on the development of real estate projects for knowledge-intensive users, such as offices, research facilities and educational institutions.
• You work closely with various stakeholders, both internal and external. These include the investment manager, asset managers, project managers, contractors, consultants, tenants, architects, engineers, municipalities and government bodies.
• Are you involved in the commercial side of the projects, including educating on rental opportunities and attracting tenants, conducting negotiations, drafting leases. 
• You are responsible for monitoring project budgets and optimising costs, always within the predefined frameworks.
• You build and maintain an extensive network of potential tenants and other relevant parties in the real estate sector. You do this by actively participating in network meetings, trade fairs and by maintaining personal contacts.
• You are customer-oriented and identify the specific needs of potential tenants. By actively listening and translating these needs into tailor-made solutions, you ensure high customer satisfaction.

Criteria

Naturally, we are especially looking for a Development Manager who fits us perfectly in terms of character, motivation, and vision. In addition, our ideal candidate is likely:

• An experienced professional with a proven track record in the real estate sector, preferably with experience in the knowledge-intensive market
• Someone with an education as a (construction) engineer or architect, or comparable knowledge gained through relevant work experience.
• Someone who has built up an extensive network in the construction or technical consultancy sector, especially in the knowledge-intensive sector.
• Independent, you can independently manage complex development projects from A to Z.
• A candidate with an excellent command of French, Dutch and English, both orally and in writing.
• Someone who is analytically strong and able to grasp complex issues and translate them into concrete solutions.
• An excellent communicator and someone who collaborates effectively both internally and externally at all levels.
• Customer-oriented and able to translate clients' needs into successful real estate solutions.
• Someone who is results-oriented and enjoys working together in a close-knit team. You find it important to contribute to the success of the team.

Do you recognise yourself in the above points? Then you might just be our new Development Manager.

Who and for whom do you work?
As Development Manager, you will be part of our Dutch development team, but your work location is in Belgium, where you will work with colleagues in Belgium on a daily basis. The Belgian team has 6 colleagues, including a Head of Belgium, Asset Managers, Property Managers and soon a Project Manager. Together with them, you work to grow our business in Belgium. You will be part of a larger European team of 155 professionals, headquartered in Haaren, the Netherlands. You will report to our Head of Development Management. Depending on the project requirements, you will travel to Haaren a maximum of once a week. For the rest, you will work from our office in Louvain-la-Neuve or network externally.

Have you already become enthusiastic and are you curious about what we can offer you? Then read below for a minute about this unique position. 

What do you do during a working day?

• You lead multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and other specialists to realise complex projects from concept to completion.
• You will be responsible for preparing and managing detailed project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• You research the market and identify new development opportunities that meet the needs of knowledge-intensive companies.
• You build strong relationships with potential tenants, investors, and government agencies to finance and realise projects.
• You monitor the progress of projects, resolve issues, and ensure projects stay within budget and on time.
• You are the point of contact for all stakeholders, both internal and external, and communicate proactively on the progress of projects.
• You ensure that the buildings developed meet the highest standards in terms of sustainability, functionality, and user experience.

Employment conditions

This is what you get from us.

• Attractive terms of employment
• A mobile phone, laptop and a lease car
• An international working environment; With us, you work together with colleagues in 6 countries;
• A lot of freedom and independence; You work independently with a lot of personal responsibility.
• An inspiring workplace, where there is plenty of room for personal input and innovation;
• Good work-life balance; Trust and responsibility are key, allowing you to combine your work with your private life;
• Development opportunities; Training and support for your personal and professional growth.

Did you get excited after reading about this vacancy and would you like to work at Europe's largest developer of commercial real estate for knowledge-intensive companies and institutions?

Do you have the motivation, knowledge and experience we are looking for? Then don't hesitate to apply to us as Development Manager. This can be done via the button below, so it will be quick. 

For questions about the position and/or the procedure, please contact Hilda Jorritsma (Corporate Recruiter at Kadans Science Partner) on telephone number +31 6 11471129.