Commercial Development Manager

Front Light Building Company is growing—and we are looking for a Development Manager who is ready to take full ownership of land entitlement and permitting across two South Carolina markets.

This is not a coordinator role. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who knows how to drive rezonings, PDDs, plats, and permits from feasibility to final approval—and who thrives on keeping complex development projects moving forward without constant oversight.

If you’ve outgrown an assistant or support role and are ready to be the person who runs the process, this may be your next step.

What You’ll Do
As Development Manager, you’ll serve as the operational backbone of our development efforts, owning the entitlement and permitting process from start to finish.
You will:
  • Lead rezonings, PDD applications, subdivision approvals, variances, and permits through final approval
  • Represent Front Light at Planning Commissions, City Councils, and County Councils
  • Develop entitlement strategies, timelines, and risk assessments for new acquisition opportunities
  • Manage and coordinate civil engineers, land use attorneys, surveyors, environmental consultants, and other advisors
  • Track schedules, budgets, approvals, and deadlines to ensure nothing falls through the cracks
  • Navigate agencies such as SCDHEC, SCDOT, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local jurisdictions
  • Build strong working relationships with municipal staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders
  • Keep leadership informed with clear, proactive status reporting
  • This role requires organization, judgment, and initiative. You’ll be trusted to surface risks early—and bring solutions with them.
Who We’re Looking For
You’re someone who:
  • Has 4–7 years of experience in land entitlement, land use planning, or real estate development
  • Has personally managed at least one project through a full approval process
  • Understands South Carolina’s permitting and land use environment (Upstate SC or Lowcountry experience strongly preferred)
  • Is comfortable presenting to public boards—or ready to step confidently into that role
  • Manages details exceptionally well while keeping the big picture in view
  • Communicates clearly and professionally with agencies, consultants, and leadership

Experience with PDDs, rezonings, SCDHEC or SCDOT permitting, or local jurisdictions in Greenwood or Beaufort County is a strong plus.

Why Front Light
Front Light is intentionally building a disciplined, high-performing development platform. This role is designed as a key leadership position within that effort—not a stepping-stone task role.
What makes this opportunity different:
  • Direct visibility and collaboration with senior leadership
  • Real ownership of entitlement strategy—not just execution
  • Exposure to diverse projects across two growing markets
  • A clear growth path toward a Director of Land Entitlement role as the pipeline expands
  • A company culture that values initiative, accountability, and smart decision-making
Location & Work Environment
  • Based in Greenwood, SC or Bluffton, SC, with regular travel between markets
  • Mix of office work, meetings, and on-site visits
  • Occasional evening meetings with public boards are required

If you’re ready to own the entitlement process, influence real outcomes, and grow with a company that’s building intentionally, we’d like to talk.

Front Light Building Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Join us as a Commercial Development Manager and become a vital part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving success through innovative strategies, energetic leadership, and exceptional customer engagement!

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Development Manager 5.2026