Director, Development

Job Details

Title : Director, Development (Eastern Portfolio)

Reports To : Senior Director, Development & Business Integration

Department : Eastern Business Unit, Montréal

Location : Downtown Montréal, Quebec

About SmartCentres

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust is one of Canada’s largest fully integrated REITs with a national best‑in‑class portfolio. Building on strong retail foundations, we are advancing complete, connected mixed‑use communities—bringing an institutional platform and long‑term vision to entrepreneurial execution.

Our downtown Montréal office features a freshly built‑out interior with direct underground access to the metro, train and REM networks (Bonaventure, Central Station, and Lucien‑L’Allier), plus on‑site gym access and proximity to top amenities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full development lifecycle across technical, design, financial, legal, and regulatory considerations, from site identification/acquisition and master planning through entitlements and preconstruction coordination.
• Balance creative direction with constructability, ensuring outcomes that are ambitious yet practical and buildable.
• Integrate inputs from consultants, internal stakeholders, and governments into cohesive outcomes, applying a product design mindset that treats developments as lived environments.
• Deliver well‑structured documentation, including transparent decision records, governance reporting, and project updates for senior management and partners.
• Embed sustainability frameworks and ESG goals into the process, while adopting AI and new tools where they add efficiency and insight.
• Take on expanded mandates as needed: lead sustainability reporting and ESG initiatives; standardize processes across projects; oversee document/IT infrastructure (e.g., SharePoint) and regional office systems.

Education

• Bachelor’s in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, Commerce, Law, or related; ESG / Project Management designations are assets.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years in real estate development (retail and residential/mixed‑use).
• Proven approvals (zoning, site plan, permits), technical leadership, and preconstruction value engineering.
• Strong presentation skills; creative problem‑solving; sound financial acumen; governance‑ready (public company standards).
• Excellent communication skills in both English and French, with the ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Highly organized, analytical, and results‑oriented.
• Able to manage multiple projects and timelines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• A team player who brings a collaborative, accountable mindset to every project.
• Able to travel within Eastern Canada as required.

Values

The Associate must be client-focused, promote and communicate a positive image of the company, both internally and externally. The Associate shall take accountability for decisions made and conduct themselves in a respectful and ethical manner in representing the Trust’s interests. The Associate shall demonstrate entrepreneurialism and behave like an “owner” in carrying out daily tasks and responsibilities, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in achieving desired results. The Associate is expected to be a team player and work effectively with colleagues and associates in terms of input, sharing of ideas and working to achieve common goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted about an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.

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