Job DetailsJob Location: Raleigh Division - Durham, NC 27703JOB PURPOSE
The Vice President of Land Development is a senior role responsible for leading the strategic direction, execution, and overall performance of the company's entitlement, and development operations across the division. This role ensures alignment with corporate growth objectives, manages high-level relationships with public agencies and partners, and drives operational excellence throughout the entire land pipeline. The VP provides visionary leadership to cross-functional teams, implements scalable development strategies, and supports the long-term success and profitability of the organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Business Planning
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive land development strategies aligned with the company's growth and profitability goals.
Guide and approve annual land development budgets, schedules, forecasts, and resource plans.
Evaluate new market opportunities and shape long-range plans for community planning, and development execution.
Partner closely with executive leadership, land acquisition, construction, purchasing, and sales teams to ensure seamless project delivery and alignment with broader business objectives.
Represent the company in public hearings, planning commissions, and other high-level entitlement and community forums as needed.
Land Development Management
Oversee all phases of land development from pre-acquisition feasibility through horizontal construction, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
Provide executive oversight for engineering consultants, general contractors, and subcontractors; negotiate and manage high-value development contracts.
Implement scalable processes and technology platforms that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery of finished lots.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, municipalities, utilities, and community stakeholders to streamline permitting and approvals.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; mitigate risks related to environmental, permitting, and legal matters.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing land development team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Develop succession plans and professional development strategies to support team growth and retention.
Continuously evaluate department structure and talent to optimize efficiency and support expansion into new communities and markets.
Financial Oversight & Cost Management
Drive profitability through disciplined cost control, contract negotiations, and proactive risk management.
Monitor development pro formas, value-engineer site designs, and drive cost-reduction initiatives without sacrificing quality or schedule.
Lead capital budgeting efforts, manage bond requirements, and oversee long-term financial planning for land assets.
Entitlement & Land Strategy
Guide land use strategy and entitlement efforts, ensuring timely and cost-effective project approvals.
Provide critical input during land acquisition evaluation to ensure entitlements, zoning, and development potential align with company objectives.
Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with land sellers, legal counsel, community groups, and public officials.
QualificationsKnowledge & Skills
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex development projects on time and on budget.
Strong strategic thinking, organizational planning, and executive decision-making skills.
Expertise in municipal codes, land use law, entitlement processes, and construction practices.
Advanced negotiation, contract management, and public relations capabilities.
High-level understanding of residential real estate economics, homebuilding financials, and development pipeline management.
Ability to inspire and manage teams through rapid growth and change.
Technical Proficiency
Proficient in development-related software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, scheduling tools, GIS, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Familiarity with project management platforms and data-driven development tools is a plus.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, or related field required
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in residential land development, with a strong track record of managing large-scale projects and teams.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel to various worksites is required, depending on the assignment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified
employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff,
and termination decisions. Well constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system.
All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included.
Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities
included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no
instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive.
Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably
accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or
safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.
Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as
an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.