Land Development Manager

The Opportunity

Position Overview

We’re teaming up with a leading homebuilder that has a division based in Columbus, OH, and is searching for a highly skilled Land Development Manager to join their rapidly expanding division. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in supporting the development of numerous present and upcoming communities within the market. Candidates with prior experience in a high-volume builder or developer environment are strongly preferred.

This position offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth. We welcome applications from local and non-local candidates, as we are committed to finding the best talent to contribute to our client’s success.

What You'll Lead

Land Development Manager Objectives

• Effectively and efficiently coordinate the development of company-owned property to achieve business plans and financial objectives.
• Create land development budgets, monitor work progress, and actively track invoices.
• Understand all components of the development process and the timing and sequencing of all phases.
• Ensure the company can deliver lots on time with favorable development conditions.
• Play an integral role in the planning process for the company’s jurisdictions, anticipating requirements for securing permits.
• Understand design-related components necessary to meet jurisdictional requirements.
• Oversee projects from permit approvals through construction, final certification, and community turnover.
• Successfully deliver new projects within construction schedules, contract documents, land development budgets, environmental studies, geotechnical reports, engineering construction plans, and permit compliance reports.
• Develop and manage detailed development and entitlement budgets.
• Manage SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) compliance.
• Assist management in negotiating purchase and sale agreements.
• Prepare budgets, timetables, site plans, development plans, and specifications for land projects.
• Meet with local, state, and federal officials for entitlement and zoning approvals.
• Identify and engage qualified bidders for engineering and development projects.
• Review and oversee the completion of engineering plans to optimize costs and schedules.
• Review payment applications from engineers and contractors, and process for payment.
• Maintain site security and implement safeguards to protect against loss or damage.

Land Development Manager Responsibilities

Before Development:

• Coordinate the conceptual plans, preliminary plans, and final plats.
• Submit and track subdivision, development, and reimbursement agreements.
• Obtain necessary approvals for subdivision, development, and reimbursement agreements.
• Secure approval for common area landscape plans.
• Guide civil engineers regarding improvement plan issues and schedules, ensuring timely approval.
• Collaborate with a civil engineer on final plat development issues and schedule.
• Obtain the necessary permits for development activities, including clearing, grading, and encroachment.
• Prepare scopes of work and bid packages for trade-specific contractors.
• Coordinate with dry utility companies to prepare plans, execute service agreements, and secure easement dedications.
• Schedule and actively participate in pre-construction and onsite progress meetings.

During Development:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the general contractor and their trades.
• Oversee ongoing development activities.
• Monitor and manage the development budget, updating schedules on a weekly basis.
• Conduct inspections of improvements to ensure compliance with approved plans.
• Coordinate the start of home construction in collaboration with the Sales and Construction Departments.
• Direct the construction of amenities concurrently with the model opening.
• Lead meetings for the opening of new communities.
• Prepare disclosure documents for the sale contracts.

Qualifications For the Land Development Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, planning, or construction management.
• Minimum of five years of combined experience in the home building industry, with at least three years specifically in land development.
• Proven ability to anticipate potential obstacles and offer practical solutions.
• Strong work ethic and dedication to implementing and executing plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including delivering concise reports and presentations to the management team.
• Proficiency in reading improvement plans, developing budgets, and understanding accounting principles.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in relevant software and tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation techniques.
• Action-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving results.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities and proficient project management skills.

The Benefits

Industry-Leading Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive health care coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Life insurance coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Generous vacation allowance and company holidays.