Land Development Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban growth, the demand for proficient Land Development Managers has never been higher.

As urban expansion continues, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, plan, and oversee our built environment becomes more crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Land Development Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of land development management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible Land Development Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Land Development Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Land Development Managers oversee the development of land for construction projects.

They liaise with various stakeholders including architects, contractors, and government bodies to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

The duties and responsibilities of a Land Development Manager include:

• Evaluating land for development potential
• Coordinating with architects and engineers to create development plans
• Securing necessary permits and approvals for land development
• Managing project budgets and timelines
• Overseeing construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and regulations
• Maintaining communication with stakeholders throughout the development process
• Negotiating contracts with contractors and other service providers
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the development
• Ensuring all legal, safety, and environmental regulations are met during the development process
• Assisting in the marketing and sales of developed properties

 

Land Development Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a seasoned Land Development Manager to oversee all aspects of our land development projects.

The Land Development Manager is responsible for managing the strategic acquisition, planning, and development of land properties to maximize profitability and growth.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in land planning, civil engineering, or real estate development, with the ability to manage complex projects, cross-functional teams, and external contractors.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage all stages of the land development process, from acquisition and entitlement to construction and turnover.
• Conduct market research to identify and evaluate potential land acquisition opportunities.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors to develop project plans and budgets.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of entitlement applications, permits, and other regulatory documents.
• Monitor project progress, ensure adherence to timelines and budgets, and report on project status to senior management.
• Coordinate with sales and marketing teams to develop effective sales strategies for developed properties.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with landowners, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Land Development Manager, Real Estate Developer, or similar role.
• Strong understanding of the land acquisition, entitlement, and development process.
• Excellent negotiation and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of real estate market trends and land development best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and paid time off policy
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Company car and travel reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Land Development Manager
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based but will require frequent site visits and meetings with local authorities, landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Land Acquisition and Development.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Land Development Manager Do?

Land Development Managers typically work for real estate development companies, construction companies, or government organizations.

Their primary responsibility is to oversee all aspects of land development projects, from the initial planning stages to the completion of construction.

Land Development Managers work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and various other professionals to design and plan development projects.

They are involved in evaluating and purchasing land for development, conducting feasibility studies, and securing necessary permits and approvals.

Their job also includes managing budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

They might be responsible for negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws and environmental regulations.

Furthermore, Land Development Managers are also involved in risk management, identifying potential issues and implementing solutions to mitigate them.

They frequently interact with stakeholders, providing regular updates and managing any concerns or issues that arise.

Ultimately, the role of a Land Development Manager is to ensure the successful execution of land development projects, contributing to urban growth and community development.

 

Land Development Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Land Development Manager must possess a range of technical and soft skills in order to efficiently manage and oversee various development projects.

These can include:

• Strong knowledge of real estate development, construction processes, zoning regulations, and land acquisition procedures to manage the overall land development process effectively.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
• Strong negotiation skills to interact with landowners, government officials, contractors, and other stakeholders to secure land deals or contracts.
• Proven analytical skills to evaluate the potential of land for development, including financial feasibility, market trends, and risk assessment.
• Communication skills to clearly convey project details, timelines, and expectations to the team, stakeholders, and clients.
• Understanding of environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance during land acquisition and development.
• Proficient in using land development software and tools for planning and executing projects.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, consultants, and clients.

 

Land Development Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Land Development Manager should ideally have about 2 to 3 years of experience in land development or a related field.

Experience can be gained through internships, fieldwork, or assistant roles in land planning, civil engineering, or real estate development.

Candidates with around 5 years of experience typically have worked on different aspects of land development such as feasibility studies, site planning, project management, and coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors.

They are expected to have developed a solid understanding of the industry, land use regulations, and development processes.

Those with more than 7 to 10 years of experience in the field are usually considered for a managerial role.

This would include proven experience in leading land development projects, managing teams, and negotiating land acquisition deals.

They should also have a strong track record in managing relationships with government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Some firms may also require these candidates to have experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial analysis related to land development projects.

 

Land Development Manager Education and Training Requirements

Land Development Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning, business management, or a related field.

They should possess strong project management skills and have a clear understanding of civil engineering principles, planning and zoning laws, and real estate markets.

Having a master’s degree in fields such as real estate development, construction management, or urban planning can enhance a candidate’s employment prospects.

In some cases, a Land Development Manager may also need to be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or obtain other professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Land Development Professional (CLDP).

Continual learning is vital in this field due to changes in technology, environmental regulations, and building codes.

Hence, some professionals opt to attend seminars, workshops, or further studies to stay updated.

Hands-on experience in construction, property development, or land acquisition is also highly beneficial for this role.

 

Land Development Manager Salary Expectations

A Land Development Manager typically earns an average salary of $92,079 (USD) per year.

However, this can change depending on the individual’s years of experience, the size and location of the development projects, and the employing company.

 

Land Development Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Land Development Manager need?

A Land Development Manager should possess strong project management and strategic planning skills, as they are responsible for overseeing multiple projects and ensuring they run smoothly from inception to completion.

They should also have strong negotiation and communication skills to effectively deal with clients, contractors, and government officials.

Knowledge of real estate market trends, zoning laws, and environmental regulations are also essential.

 

Do Land Development Managers need a degree?

Most Land Development Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as civil engineering, construction management, or urban planning.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or an MBA.

Additionally, experience in real estate development or project management is often preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Land Development Manager’s resume?

A Land Development Manager’s resume should highlight their experience in project management, land development, and real estate.

Look for details about the types of projects they have overseen, their role in those projects, and the results they achieved.

Relevant certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Land Development Manager?

A good Land Development Manager is a strong leader who can manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.

They should be detail-oriented and strategic, with the ability to foresee potential issues and devise solutions.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they often have to liaise between clients, contractors, and government officials.

 

What are the daily duties of a Land Development Manager?

On a typical day, a Land Development Manager might meet with clients or contractors, oversee project progress, and deal with any issues that arise.

They might also spend time reviewing and approving project plans, ensuring compliance with zoning laws and environmental regulations, and negotiating contracts.

Additionally, they will often work on strategic planning for future developments.

 

Is it difficult to hire Land Development Managers?

Hiring a Land Development Manager can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

It’s important to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for career advancement to attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into the core essence of what it truly means to be a Land Development Manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planning and overseeing projects.

It’s about shaping the physical landscape, one plot at a time.

With our handy Land Development Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every plot of land is a piece of the broader landscape.

Let’s shape that landscape. Together.

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