Division VP of Land

DRB Homes•North Charleston, SC

10d

About The Position

This position is responsible for planning and directing the division’s land business, including acquisitions, planning, design, entitlement, and development. The role requires maintaining excellent communications with appropriate public agencies, utilities, the internal organization, and staff members. The position leads land acquisition, land development, and land entitlement activities. It identifies and secures land and lots, manages negotiations and contracts, coordinates development professionals and government agencies, directs department strategy and budgets, and oversees development schedules, costs, permits, and site progress. The role also assesses site viability and manages purchases through entitlement processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 7 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, concentrated in Land and Entitlement, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Demonstrated ability to lead people and achieve results through others.
Ability to plan ahead over a 1–2 year period and a longer-range 5-year timeframe.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Problem analysis and resolution skills at strategic and functional levels.
High-level interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations appropriately.
Demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
Knowledge of word-processing and spreadsheet software, including MS Word and Excel.
Strong land negotiation and contract skills.
Knowledge of market trends, pricing, growth, and supply.
Knowledge of local, county, state, and federal regulations related to land acquisition and use.
Broad functional experience with blueprints and specifications, and general knowledge of homebuilding financials and systems.

Responsibilities

Identify land and lot acquisition opportunities and prospect for potential acquisitions.
Negotiate, acquire, and entitle land needed to meet company goals and projections; establish broker and seller relationships.
Analyze land development pro formas; handle bond submittals and reimbursements; draft and submit letters of intent; and negotiate and finalize acquisition contracts.
Maintain reports, critical target dates, contract summaries, and periodic market analyses.
Network with builders and developers to maintain market awareness, build contacts, and support the division’s competitiveness.
Coordinate engineers, land planners, architects, and general contractors in developing acquired properties.
Coordinate with local, county, state, and federal agencies to annex, zone, and obtain regulatory approval for projects.
Oversee the land development function, strategic objectives, and methodology for achieving company goals.
Develop annual Land department budgets and schedules; lead, direct, and manage department functions, policies, and procedures.
Build, develop, and manage a land development team; align business plans with organizational objectives; and evaluate staff structure and team plans for continual improvement.
Establish and foster professional relationships with state, county, and city inspectors and officials to maximize development-site productivity.
For the Washington Division, prepare land for lot subdividing by consulting with engineers, soliciting and evaluating bids, awarding bids, arranging grading, installing streets, curbs, and gutters, controlling costs, and scrutinizing contracts.
Prepare bid packages and negotiate land development contracts for the region, while overseeing the same function for the company.
Inspect development sites to confirm progress against plans and schedules; maintain job activity logs and produce weekly reports.
Manage development costs and ensure they remain within budget constraints.
Assist with applications for and securing of bonds and permits, and follow up on bond reductions.
Review and understand engineering drawings, with an emphasis on cost reductions.
Coordinate resolution of land development issues affecting home construction, such as structural pads, paving, sediment control, and lot balance.
Resolve and follow up on development issues after community closeout; maintain and monitor proper subdivision appearance.
Manage land purchases through entitlement processes, provide information for and participate in land acquisition package coordination, assess site viability, and interface with homeowners’ associations as necessary.
Maintain communication with appropriate public agencies, utilities, the internal organization, and staff members.