Site Development Manager

Join the Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL) corporate team and help shape a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education!

GSL supports approximately 675+ Goddard School locations across the U.S., helping franchisees deliver high-quality, play-based learning to more than 100,000 children and families. Our corporate team drives the strategy, systems, and support that enable schools across the network to thrive.

You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, accountable environment where ideas are valued, curiosity is encouraged, and continuous improvement is part of how we work.

Summary

The Site Development Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of site development and pre-construction activities for new Goddard School locations and relocations. This role oversees the process from site selection through entitlement, permitting, and design coordination, ensuring that site-specific conditions and constraints are addressed before transitioning to the construction phase. The Pre-Construction Project Manager will lead due diligence, regulatory approvals, and design management, including coordination with architectural and engineering teams, to deliver fully approved and ready-to-build projects.

Job Responsibilities

Site Evaluation & Due Diligence:

• Review potential sites for suitability and feasibility.
• Manage due diligence activities, including traffic, ALTA Survey, Title Work, environmental, and geotechnical studies.
• Analyze site plans to confirm utility connections and services.

Regulatory Approvals & Permitting:

• Manage and coordinate all entitlement and permitting processes.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to state agencies, municipal boards, and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain compliance with zoning regulations and municipal requirements.

Design & Consultant Management

• Select, assign, and manage architectural and engineering firms.
• Review and approve proposals, contracts, and scopes of work for design teams.
• Oversee development and review of architectural/civil site plans, building plans, and elevations.
• Oversee and approve playground equipment selections.
• The Site Development Manager is responsible for reviewing/approving the project site plan, floor plan, state licensing, and building elevations.
• Solicit and coordinate proposals for playground equipment, and exterior signage.
• Maintain files that contain project approved floor plans, site plans and elevations.
• Ensure design aligns with brand standards and operational requirements.

Project Coordination & Scheduling:

• Create and maintain a project development schedule to include all required steps from project inception to ready for construction.
• Conduct and participate in project team meetings.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all reports, approvals, and communications.

Transition to Construction

• Coordinate handoff to the field Construction Project Manager with complete design and permit packages.
• Provide support during early construction phases as needed.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, land planning, or related field preferred; equivalent certifications accepted.
• At least 5 years of experience in site development, pre-construction, or related roles.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering surveys, plans, and specifications.
• Expertise in due diligence, site planning, zoning, permitting, and regulatory approvals.
• Experience managing architectural and engineering consultants.
• Strong understanding of municipal approval processes, environmental regulations, traffic impact studies, stormwater management, and utility coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Public speaking and presentation experience required.
• Overnight travel (0-25%) required.
• Knowledge of franchising preferred.