Job Description

The Director of Land Development will lead the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of all land development activities within the Division. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end development process, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, political acumen, technical expertise, and a proven track record in managing large-scale residential land development projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and direction for all land development operations, including acquisition support, planning, budgeting, permitting, construction coordination, and turnover to homebuilding operations.
• Identify and evaluate potential land acquisition opportunities in collaboration with the acquisitions team; support due diligence, feasibility studies, and risk assessments.
• Maintain and expand a strong network of political, municipal, and industry contacts to anticipate regulatory changes and secure timely approvals.
• Develop comprehensive proformas, cost estimates, and cash flow projections that support Division business plans and strategic goals.
• Direct negotiations related to land acquisition, development agreements, entitlements, and construction contracts.
• Oversee project schedules and budgets, ensuring timely completion of development milestones and effective use of resources.
• Ensure compliance with all zoning requirements, environmental regulations, CLOS requirements, and other jurisdictional standards.
• Drive timely acquisition of all necessary permits and approvals to prevent construction delays.
• Lead the coordination and communication between internal teams and external consultants including civil engineers, planners, utility companies, and government agencies.
• Oversee selection and management of third-party contractors for civil work, landscaping, irrigation, hardscaping, and amenities; ensure competitive bidding and quality performance.
• Proactively identify and mitigate site development risks such as poor soil conditions, wetlands, and utility conflicts.
• Provide clear direction and leadership to land development team members; mentor and grow team capabilities in alignment with company goals.
• Ensure site and product designs align with company objectives for aesthetics, function, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal design, construction, and sales teams to ensure cohesive community and product delivery.
• Maintain quality control on all site planning documentation, engineering plans, and construction-related materials.
• Regularly report to the Division President on project status, budget performance, and strategic development objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in land development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or director-level role overseeing multiple projects.
• Deep understanding of land entitlement, zoning, permitting, and horizontal development processes.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex development projects from inception through completion.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large-scale development budgets and proformas.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and relevant technical tools.

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