European Director of Logistics Real Estate Development

The Position

Company Overview

Our client is a globally active real estate investment company with a strong track record of delivering long-term value across multiple asset classes. As part of its continued European growth strategy, the company is launching a new initiative to develop logistics properties in-house for its European fund. These assets will become a core component of the company’s own investment portfolio, reflecting a long-term hold strategy and a commitment to high-quality, sustainable logistics real estate.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director of Logistics Real Estate Development to establish and lead this new European development platform. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a fully integrated development function within a well-capitalized, globally recognized investment firm. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in logistics property development, a strong network across the European market, and a proven ability to execute projects from acquisition to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Platform Build-out:

• Lead the creation and execution of the company’s European logistics development strategy.
• Build and manage the internal development platform, including sourcing, evaluating, and executing development opportunities across Europe.
• Define and implement best practices for in-house development processes and governance.

Project Development:

• Oversee the full development lifecycle of logistics assets—from land acquisition, design, permitting, and construction through to stabilization.
• Manage external consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, and local partners to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure alignment with the company’s investment criteria and sustainability standards.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate closely with internal teams including investments, asset management, finance, and ESG.
• Represent the company in the market with municipalities, JV partners, brokers, and other stakeholders.

Market Intelligence & Deal Sourcing:

• Monitor key logistics markets and identify development opportunities across core European regions.
• Build relationships with local developers, brokers, and landowners to create a strong pipeline of off-market opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in logistics / industrial real estate development in Europe.

• Proven track record of managing complex development projects from inception to completion.

• Strong technical knowledge of development processes, construction, and permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

• Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and understanding of investment underwriting.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and lead a new function within an institutional setting.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Fluency in English; additional European languages are an advantage.

• Willingness to travel across Europe as required.

Contact

Solid Executives is exclusively responsible for the recruitment for this position on behalf of the client. Solid Executives is a leading firm specializing in the placement of real estate professionals at management and board level.

For questions or additional clarification, please feel free to contact Robbert Jan Meerman directly at +31643038330 or via email at meerman@solid-executives.nl.