Land Development Manager
Ocala, Florida
Highlights:
Stability: Company has history of no layoffs during downturns due to strong financial position (zero debt)
Land Position: 1000’s of secured and debt-free lots; 10+ years of buildable land currently held
Quality / Sustainability: Premier 55+ active adult community focused on green and sustainability practices
Compensation / Benefits: Competitive compensation and full array of benefits; including several discounts for services, products and leisure activities
Responsibilities:
The Land Development Manager is responsible for representing the company with internal and external service providers on a wide range of subjects related to the construction of the civil infrastructure required for single and multi-family communities, amenity facilities, and commercial developments. Additionally, this position is responsible for the timely delivery of projects within the established quality, cost and scheduling requirements.
What you will do:
- Manage all land development projects, including but not limited to community design planning/ reviewing, civil, subcontractor bids/ contracts, receiving permit approvals through construction and obtaining final certification, community turnover and bond release, if applicable.
- Responsible for the overall production and performance of Land Development field operations staff.
- Oversees and manages the field operations for assigned projects of the Land Development department, including managing subcontractors and Land Development Superintendents to maintain efficiencies and meet deadlines.
- Provides leadership to field superintendents to ensure coordination of project(s) between field, administrative employees and other departments in the company.
- Develops RFPs and represents or assists company in obtaining bids and awarding development contracts for all aspects of project.
- Responsible to deliver finished lots to meet the business plan of the company.
- Responsible for the successful delivery of new projects through use of construction schedules, contract documents, land development budgets, environmental studies, Geotechnical reports, Engineering and Architectural construction plans and permit compliance reports.
- Ensure timely and accurate design and installation of all land development improvements including but not limited to grading operations, water and sewer services, dry utilities, paving and sidewalks, landscapes and landscape improvements to include, but not limited to entrance and amenity features.
- Conducts on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with requirements.
- Manages the progress of land development and related projects including oversight of engineering design, permitting, scheduling, contract administration, construction inspection, quality control, and customer/ resident relations.
- Responsible for creating and managing the performance and maintenance of the department budget, construction project schedule, and quality delivery/ installation of all products and projects.
- Verifies and approves Land Development related invoices.
- Informs Director of Land Entitlements, Acquisitions, and Development of any changes, potential problems, or outstanding issues of concern, along with an update of projects status.
- Coordinate periodic meetings between Land Development and Association/ Management company to review community appearance and address development appearance and issues needing repairs.
- Reviews preliminary engineering plans for design efficiency, conflict avoidance, value engineering, and grading/earthwork quantities and balance.
- Oversees and brings closure to final punch list items and project close-outs.
- Create opportunities that fit company’s land development strategies and understanding of current market trends in land development and homebuilding.
- Oversee various contractor, consulting, municipal contracts which provide for, and relate to the approval and development of residential properties.
- Assists Entitlement Director with due diligence efforts for potential acquisition targets.
- Ensure that contractual and other commitments are kept with contractors/consultants and trade partners and that they comply with all approved policies, procedures, ethical standards, applicable laws and regulations.
- Establish relationships with developers, contractors, consultants and approving governing authorities.
- Responsible for site improvement bidding and bid selection leading to site improvement contract negotiations.
- Responsible for value engineering during the design process to reduce improvement costs without sacrificing quality.
- Coordinates with homebuilding operations to ensure lots are delivered on time and as designated by civil engineer.
- Oversee and coordinate planning, permit and construction process and effectively forecast long-term scheduled and budgets for assigned developments.
- Plan, schedule budget and contract for above plus common elements such as entrance features, global landscape programs, maintenance contracts and community wide utility plans.
- Overall material management planning and effective field operations.
- Resolve issues with regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over project and region.
- Ensure efficient and seamless operations and communications between Land Development department and Construction department.
- Maintains a high level of commitment to the company, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor toward all residents, visitors and co-workers.
- Represents the company professionally in a variety of environments, including maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor.
- Maintains a willingness to assume new responsibilities and embrace opportunities as they may arise.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
- Strives to maintain a safe working environment through the prevention of accidents, the preservation of equipment, and the achievement of safe working practices.
- Performs all duties in adherence to Company standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in Land development management role, or bachelor’s degree in construction management.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Land development, or Construction related field.
- Experience with industry related technology such as CAD, Timberline, estimating software and GPS preferred.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Ability to analyze all relevant estimates and reports and to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, geometry, linear functions and other equations sufficient to produce all relevant layouts of civil infrastructure.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as public speaking skills.
- Excellent follow-up, communication (written and verbal) and time management skills.
- Computer literacy and proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required, including spreadsheet analysis, project scheduling and data management software.
- Solid and proficient negotiation skills with the ability to be influential and motivating.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Knowledge of heavy equipment operation.
- Ability to work with other company departments to build teamwork, harmony, and strong internal communication
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, technical specifications and contract drafts, and effectively present information and respond to questions
- Able to read, understand, and evaluate development plans, including analyzing and interpret common technical journals, engineering and architectural blueprints, financial budgets, cost controls, and legal documents.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, lift, walk, move and/or carry equipment in excess of 50 pounds.
- Excellent attention to detail, well-organized, able to prioritize and handle multiple detail-oriented tasks with simultaneous deadlines and resolve complex issues with minimal direction on time.
- Exceptional critical thinking, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow complicated instructions accurately.
- Ability to be self-motivated and highly personable with a strong work ethic.
- Must be able to work independently and with a team.
- Desire to continue to learn and improve oneself that benefits the company.
- Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership with a positive attitude.
Personal Attributes: Team builder and team player, emotionally intelligent, cross-functional collaborator, honest and has integrity with commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
