Estate Development & Projects Manager

Location

Primary base: Flexible, with preference for base at Kotdwara, Uttarakhand 246149

Travel: Predominantly site-based during construction and development phases. Periodic travel may be required to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, contractor locations and partner sites.

Purpose

We are developing a premium farm-based destination in Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand border near the city of Kotdwara in North India comprising agricultural operations, value-added food businesses and agritourism experiences.

The first phase of development includes glamping accommodation, guest facilities, staff accommodation, farm infrastructure, utilities and site-wide improvements necessary to support a high-quality visitor

experience.

We are seeking a practical, hands-on Estate Development & Projects Manager to lead the planning, coordination and execution of development projects across the estate.

The successful candidate will act as the owner's representative on-site, working closely with contractors, consultants, suppliers and farm management to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and to an appropriate quality standard.

This is a unique opportunity to help create a destination from the ground up rather than manage an existing operation.

Project Planning & Design Coordination

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate design development for glamping pods, staff accommodation, utilities, guest facilities and supporting infrastructure.
• Work with architects, engineers, consultants and specialist suppliers to develop practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and contractor proposals.
• Ensure projects align with operational requirements, guest expectations and long-term estate plans.
• Identify design improvements that reduce cost, improve durability and simplify future maintenance.

Potential projects may include:

• Glamping pods
• Staff accommodation
• Public washrooms and service blocks
• Restaurants and dining facilities
• Roads and pathways
• Water systems
• Drainage and sewage systems
• Electrical infrastructure
• Landscaping and outdoor facilities
• Security and access control systems

Construction & Project Delivery

The role will:

• Develop project plans and construction programmes.
• Oversee day-to-day construction and development activities.
• Coordinate multiple contractors and trades.
• Monitor quality, timelines and project costs.
• Ensure materials are procured and delivered on time.
• Resolve site issues and escalating risks.
• Track project progress and provide regular reports to ownership.
• Support snagging, handover and project close-out activities.

Procurement & Vendor Management

Responsibilities include:

• Source and evaluate contractors, tradespeople, suppliers and service providers.
• Obtain and compare quotations.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts.
• Monitor vendor performance.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships.
• Ensure procurement delivers value for money while maintaining required quality standards.

Estate Infrastructure Development

Work closely with estate management to:

• Assess infrastructure requirements for current and future business activities.
• Develop practical solutions for utilities, maintenance and operational support.
• Improve access, circulation and site functionality.
• Support development of staff facilities and accommodation.
• Ensure infrastructure can support future growth in visitor numbers and business activities.

Agritourism Development

Support the creation of a premium farm-based visitor experience through:

• Development of glamping pod infrastructure.
• Site planning and guest-flow design.
• Coordination of landscaping and outdoor spaces.
• Development of recreation, wellness and activity areas.
• Support for hospitality infrastructure and operational readiness.
• Identification of future expansion opportunities.

The role should ensure that physical assets support the premium positioning of the business while remaining practical to operate in a rural environment.

Operational Readiness

Prior to launch, the successful candidate will:

• Ensure all facilities are functional and operational.
• Coordinate inspections and approvals where required.
• Develop asset registers and maintenance plans.
• Support development of operating procedures.
• Assist with procurement and installation of equipment and furnishings.
• Coordinate launch preparation activities.

Strategic Planning

• Prepare phased development plans for the estate.
• Recommend infrastructure investment priorities.
• Develop indicative budgets and timelines for future phases.
• Identify key project risks and mitigation strategies.
• Present recommendations and project updates to ownership.

Leadership & Team Building

• Initially operate within a lean team environment, working directly with ownership and farm management.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants and supplier teams across multiple projects.
• Assist in recruitment and onboarding of maintenance, operations and project staff as required.
• Help establish systems, processes and reporting structures to support future growth.

Reporting & Team Structure

Direct reporting to the Owner/Promoter.

The Estate Development & Projects Manager will initially operate as an individual contributor with significant autonomy and responsibility. As the estate expands, the successful candidate may build and lead project, maintenance and facilities-management teams.

Preferred Experience

Essential

• 5+ years' experience in project management, construction, infrastructure development, hospitality development, civil works or estate management.
• Demonstrated experience managing contractors and multiple workstreams.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote and hands-on environment.
• Strong budgeting, planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder-management abilities.

Highly Desirable

Experience in one or more of:

• Hospitality development
• Resort development
• Glamping or outdoor accommodation projects
• Farm or rural infrastructure projects
• Civil construction
• Architecture or engineering coordination
• Facilities management
• Estate management
• Utility systems and site services
• Remote-location developments

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a strong bias toward action and execution.
• Is comfortable spending significant time on-site.
• Can work effectively with contractors, tradespeople and suppliers.
• Takes ownership of problems and follows through to completion.
• Balances quality, cost and speed in decision-making.
• Is resourceful, practical and commercially minded.
• Enjoys building something unique from the ground up.

First-Year Success Metrics

Within 12 months the successful candidate should deliver:

1. Completion of development plans and project schedules for priority infrastructure projects.

2. Delivery of staff accommodation and critical estate infrastructure.

3. Completion of the first phase of glamping pod development.

4. Establishment of reliable utility and support systems for guests and staff.

5. Delivery of projects within approved budgets and timelines.

6. Development of a phased infrastructure roadmap for future expansion.