VP of Land Development

Provide executive leadership for all horizontal development activities — from early cost modeling and bid strategy through site infrastructure delivery. This role owns construction execution, value engineering, and agency coordination, and partners closely with the VP of Acquisition to evaluate and price new land opportunities.

• Secure and track grading/improvement permits, impact and park/Quimby fees, bonds, and reimbursement agreements.
• Manage site preparation, grading, wet/dry utilities, paving, and public improvements through acceptance and bond release.
• Maintain a robust contractor and consultant network; enforce best practices for cost control, efficiency, and safety.
• Maintain strong working relationships with cities, counties, utilities, and special districts.
• Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and design details to reduce cost and risk.
• Identify cost drivers, risk factors, and value-engineering opportunities that inform land pricing and deal structure.
• Resolve field issues with agencies, utilities, and inspectors quickly to keep work on schedule.
• Partner with civil engineers and designers to reduce earthwork, shorten utility runs, and simplify infrastructure phasing.
• Work with the VP of Acquisition to prepare accurate sitework and infrastructure cost models during land pursuit and underwriting.
• Build and lead land development managers, estimators, and field supervisors

Leadership & Management Skills

• Strong knowledge of subdivision mapping, public works standards, and permitting processes with cities, counties, and special districts.
• In-depth understanding of civil improvement plans, grading and drainage, stormwater systems, and dry/wet utilities.
• Highly organized, results-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred and may substitute for advanced degree or additional industry experience.
• Strength of relationships with public agencies and utility providers.
• Proven ability to lead horizontal development from entitlement through grading, utilities, paving, and bond release.
• Track record of accurate cost modeling, value engineering, and delivery of site infrastructure on schedule and within budget.
• Experience with bid preparation, cost estimation, impact/Quimby fees, and bonding or reimbursement agreements.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for agency coordination and contractor management.
• Strategic thinker with financial acumen to evaluate land deal structures, development risks, and return profiles.
• Proven ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing internal teams and external partners.
• Quality and safety performance of site infrastructure work.
• Accuracy of pre-acquisition cost estimates vs. final horizontal spend.
• 10–20 years of progressively responsible experience in land development, site construction, or civil engineering within residential, mixed-use, or master-planned community projects.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MS in Real Estate Development, or Civil Engineering) preferred.
• On-time map approval, permitting, and pad delivery.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-phase projects, consultants, contractors, and agency coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Land Development, Urban Planning, or a related field required.
• Proficiency with project management and take-off tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, Civil 3D, Excel) preferred.

• Eligibility for profit participation or equity in select projects.
• Comprehensive health benefits, vehicle allowance
• Competitive base salary typically in the $130K – $250K range, commensurate with experience and project scale.
• Performance-based annual bonus opportunity.
• Free lunch on workdays
• Savings achieved via value engineering or fee credits.