- Professional
- Office in Berlin
Nido is on an exciting journey to become Europe’s leading Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provider. Our story began with a vision to create exceptional living spaces that bring together quality, community, and design — a vision that continues to guide our growth today. With 12,000 beds across 33 properties in the Iberian Peninsula and our new European headquarters in Madrid, we’re shaping the future of how students live, connect, and thrive.
In 2025, we welcomed Livensa Living into the Nido family, creating one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic living platforms. Together, we’re expanding into new markets like Germany and Italy, bringing our passion for design, community, and exceptional resident experiences to even more people across Europe.
As Nido & Livensa Living expand into the German market, we are seeking a highly experienced and proactive Development Manager to lead and support the delivery of our real estate projects across the country. This is a pivotal role in establishing our footprint in Germany, and the successful candidate will be instrumental in driving forward the full development lifecycle.
The Development Manager will oversee the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of development, ensuring that each project aligns with Nido’s brand standards, quality expectations, and commercial goals. This role requires a deep understanding of the German real estate landscape, a hands-on approach, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and planning environments while working closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)
Project management
- Support realisation of development opportunities from pre-development through to hand-over to the in-house operations team. This includes coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Provide oversight and direction during the construction phase of development projects, ensuring quality control, monitoring progress, and addressing any issues or delays that arise.
- Identify and assign 3rd party technical staff on a project to project basis; negotiate fees and terms and conditions.
- Produce and update the Development Plan at key project gateways detailing risk management mitigation initiatives.
- Collaborate with the in-house operations team to ensure a seamless hand-over ahead of operationalisation of the assets.
- Ensure all relevant approvals are gained from key internal/external stakeholders.
Acquisition and Due diligence
- Conduct required technical due diligence processes and feasibility optioneering related to potential acquisitions.
- Work with colleagues and advisors to build development cases and collate the project brief.
Financial Analysis and Budgeting
- Oversee the preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting packages, metric information, and other similar presentations.
- Manage project programme scheduling, financial reporting focusing on capex budgeting and cashflows, project documentation and control.
Regulatory Compliance
- Arrange for compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, environmental regulations, and other legal requirements throughout the development process.
- Ensure Health and Safety compliance throughout the development project cycle.
- Achieve Sustainability ESG targets.
Other
- Work with internal teams such as finance, commercial, and operations to support budgeting, risk management and long-term operational success of the assets.
- Monitor the local markets to assess changing dynamics and make timely recommendations.
- Additionally, it may be required to perform various duties and responsibilities beyond those outlined in this role profile job description as needed.
Requirements
- Master degree in urban planning, engineering, real estate, architecture or a related-field.
- 8+ years of professional work experience in real estate development; experience with a wide range of projects, with a preference for housing and urban mixed-use.
- Strong working knowledge of the development approval process.
- Ability to read and interpret various land-use, surveyor, engineers and architectural drawings.
- Proficiency in financial models for real estate development projects, ability to assessment and are able to assess the impact of changes; experience creating and maintaining financial models using Excel and/or valuation software would be considered an asset.
- Experience in building and maintain relationships at all levels of an organisation with multidisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in working English and German is mandatory, additional language(s) is/are an asset (esp. Spanish & Italian).
KEY PERSONAL SKILLS & TRAITS
- Time Management: Skill in prioritising tasks, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and adhering to project timelines to ensure efficient project delivery and avoid costly delays.
- Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in reviewing project documents, contracts, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and minimise the risk of errors or oversights that could impact project outcomes.
- Construction Knowledge: Basic understanding of construction principles, techniques, and materials to effectively oversee construction activities, identify potential issues, and ensure quality control during the build phase.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Aptitude for identifying potential challenges and obstacles in the development process and implementing practical solutions to address them in a timely manner.
- Risk Management Abilities: Capability to assess and mitigate project risks related to market volatility, regulatory changes, construction delays, and other factors that may impact project outcomes, profitability, and investor returns.
- Team Player: Strong ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and lead project teams, fostering collaboration, motivation, and clear direction to ensure project success.
