Forward Planning Manager

Sekisui House US • Phoenix, AZ

19h

About The Position

This role manages key planning and entitlement activities that support the advancement of residential development projects from concept through approval. The position works independently to coordinate with municipalities, consultants, and cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory requirements are met and project timelines remain on track. It applies advanced knowledge of planning processes to solve moderately complex issues and guide decision-making that impacts team results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, architecture, environmental studies, geography, public policy, real estate development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in planning, entitlement, community development, or related fields; or 9–11 years of equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of land use planning, entitlement procedures, zoning regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple planning efforts simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate complex planning documents, engineering drawings, and regulatory guidelines.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills for interactions with agencies, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, applying past experience and judgment to resolve difficult issues.
• Proficiency with planning software, GIS tools, and project tracking systems.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail in managing schedules and documentation.
• Ability to influence team practices and approaches within the planning function and across related disciplines.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to drive alignment across cross-functional partners.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior staff members.

Nice To Haves

• Experience within the residential construction or homebuilding industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation, submission, and tracking of entitlement and planning documents, including zoning applications, tentative maps, design reviews, and environmental reports.
• Coordinate with municipalities, regulatory agencies, and utility providers to obtain necessary approvals and resolve project-related issues.
• Lead the work of external consultants - such as planners, engineers, architects, and environmental specialists, to ensure deliverables align with project objectives, regulatory requirements, and timelines.
• Analyze planning, zoning, and environmental regulations to determine project feasibility and identify constraints or risks that may impact development.
• Collaborate with internal teams across land acquisition, development, construction, design, and operations to align project assumptions and mitigate planning challenges.
• Prepare reports, entitlement schedules, project status updates, and planning analyses for leadership review and decision-making.
• Identify and recommend process improvements and best practices that enhance planning efficiency and departmental performance.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: We provide a competitive compensation structure that rewards performance and results.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Financial Future: Access a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Time Off: Our time-off benefits include vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and other leave types (bereavement, jury duty, FMLA, military leave).
• Insurance & Protection: Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage are included. An employee assistance program (EAP) is also available.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts Homeownership & Financing: Take advantage of exclusive home purchase and financing discounts.
• Pet Insurance: Enjoy discounted group pet insurance rates.

What This Job Offers

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