When you’re sitting on a development site — or actively planning your next project — the team you surround yourself with can make or break the outcome. Two roles you’ll often hear mentioned are Development Manager and Project Manager. But what’s the difference? And how do you know which one your project needs?
Whether you're a landowner looking to understand your site's potential, or a developer navigating multiple projects across South East Queensland, understanding these roles is critical. Here's what you need to know.
A Development Manager (DM) is the strategic lead on a property project. They're often brought in at the very beginning — sometimes before a site is even acquired — and remain involved all the way through to completion and remain overseeing the revenue outcomes through sales and marketing.
Their role spans the entire lifecycle of thedevelopment, including:
In many cases, a Development Manager will act on behalf of the landowner or developer, guiding decisions and ensuring the commercial potential of the site is fully realised.
In this capacity, our team of Development Managers have worked across a diverse portfolio of residential, industrial and commercial projects throughout South East Queensland, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, the Scenic Rim, and Lockyer Valley.
A Project Manager (PM) is typically engaged once the strategy has been set and the approvals are in place. Their focus is on the delivery of the physical works — from managing construction schedules to coordinating trades, controlling costs and resolving build challenges.
They often report to the Development Manager or the developer directly and ensure the project runs to time and budget.
Key responsibilities include:
While critical to any project, a Project Manager generally does not handle early-stage planning, approvals or funding strategies.
With many qualified Project Managers on our team, Atrio has delivered a variety of projects across Brisbane and surrounding regions — From townhouse developments to industrial warehouses and childcare centres.
Here’s the short answer:
If you don’t have a development strategy in place — you need a Development Manager.
If your site already has approvals and you're ready to build, a Project Manager may be enough to deliver the construction phase.
But for most landowners and mid-tier developers, especially in a market like South East Queensland, the best results come from having both. The Development Manager sets the vision, secures approvals, and manages the overall process. The Project Manager brings thatvision to life on the ground.
At Atrio, we operate as flexible development partners. Our team of senior Development Managers can lead your project from feasibility to delivery — or plug in where you need support most.
We’re not just consultants. We’re delivery-focused property professionals who work alongside landowners, developers, and capital partners to create practical, high-value outcomes across Queensland.
With local insight, commercial clarity, and a hands-on approach, we can:
Whether you're a landowner looking for guidanceor a developer needing a reliable property development consultant in Brisbaneor beyond, we’re here to help. Talk to Atrio’s Development Management team today and get clarity on what your site could become.
