Director of Land Development

VHB • Brentwood, NY

2h • $150,000 - $210,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

VHB is seeking a strategic leader to direct and grow its Long Island Land Development practice. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership, oversee project delivery, develop staff, expand client relationships, and lead business development throughout the Long Island market. The role also involves collaborating with VHB’s regional and national teams to strengthen the firm’s market presence and pursue integrated-service opportunities.

The Director provides technical oversight for land development and site/civil projects, including planning, design, permitting, and delivery. The role oversees quality, schedules, budgets, client expectations, and compliance with applicable regulations, while supporting complex approvals and representing VHB to clients, public agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders. The Director may also serve as Project Delivery Leader, Project Manager, or Design Manager on key projects and strategic accounts.

The position requires an established civil engineering leader with experience building teams and growing a land development practice, strong business and project management skills, and knowledge of the Long Island development and regulatory environment. A B.S. in Civil Engineering and at least 10 years of progressive experience are required, as is Professional Engineer licensure. New York State PE licensure and established Long Island relationships are preferred. The position is hybrid in Long Island, New York, and is full-time. The annual base salary range is $150,000–$210,000, with eligible employees also potentially receiving incentive compensation, spot bonuses, and merit increases. VHB describes a comprehensive benefits package and a flexible, hybrid work environment.

Requirements

• B.S. in Civil Engineering.
• 10 or more years of progressive experience in land engineering, site/civil design, project management, and team leadership.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex land engineering and site development projects.
• Experience navigating local, county, state, and federal permitting and approval processes.
• Experience developing site plans, construction documents, specifications, engineering reports, and permitting applications.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects with architects, engineers, planners, environmental professionals, and other allied disciplines.
• Strong organizational, financial, and project management skills, including the ability to oversee multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to mentor, develop, and inspire technical professionals.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and grow a successful land development practice.
• Strong business acumen and experience with business development, client relationship management, and market expansion.
• Extensive experience managing and delivering complex land development and site/civil projects.
• Strong understanding of local land use approvals, site development requirements, and stormwater management regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with technical oversight and project execution.
• Commitment to quality, financial performance, staff development, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, offices, and diverse client organizations.

Nice To Haves

• New York State PE licensure.
• Familiarity with the Long Island development, permitting, and regulatory environment.
• Established relationships with Long Island clients, municipalities, regulatory agencies, developers, and industry partners.
• Familiarity with Long Island municipalities, land use regulations, and the regional development environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Long Island Land Development practice and foster a collaborative, accountable, growth-oriented team environment.
• Lead and support team leaders, project managers, and technical staff; mentor and develop employees; and support recruitment, retention, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to strengthen local market presence, cross-office collaboration, and growth opportunities.
• Develop staffing and workload plans aligned with business objectives, project demands, and long-term growth strategies.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration across disciplines.
• Oversee planning, design, permitting, and delivery of land development and site/civil projects throughout Long Island and the greater New York region.
• Ensure project delivery meets quality, schedule, budget, and client expectations, and guide project strategies that balance technical solutions, regulations, project economics, and client objectives.
• Provide oversight of site layout, grading, drainage, utility design, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality plans, specifications, technical reports, and permitting documentation.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable local, county, state, and federal regulations, including land use, site development, and stormwater requirements.
• Represent VHB in meetings with clients, municipal officials, regulatory agencies, utility providers, boards, commissions, and other stakeholders.
• Support complex permitting and approval processes and help teams address regulatory challenges with practical solutions.
• Promote adherence to project management, quality assurance, project initiation, and financial management practices.
• Serve as Project Delivery Leader, Project Manager, or Design Manager on key projects and strategic client accounts as needed.
• Lead business development to expand VHB’s Land Development presence and market share throughout Long Island.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, developers, municipalities, public agencies, and industry partners.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities, including proposal strategy, client presentations, teaming decisions, and interview preparation.
• Lead go/no-go decisions and strategic teaming partnerships aligned with VHB’s capabilities and business objectives.
• Expand existing client relationships and introduce VHB’s integrated services across disciplines.
• Represent VHB at industry events, professional associations, conferences, and community forums.
• Monitor market trends, client needs, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for practice growth.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may participate in the VHB 401(k) plan.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Recognition programs.
• Eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment.
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director