Forward Planning Manager

Neal Careers•Sarasota, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Neal Communities is seeking an experienced and strategic Forward Planning Manager to lead the front-end planning and permitting efforts for our land development projects. In this role, you’ll oversee entitlements, permitting, consultant coordination, development approvals, and project timelines while partnering closely with internal teams and regulatory agencies to keep projects moving forward efficiently. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in land development, entitlement planning, and project management, who is passionate about driving results, solving complex challenges, and delivering high-quality communities.

Requirements

Five to seven years in land development and entitlement planning in the home-building industry
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Business Accounting, or Construction Management
Proven experience in land development management, including site selection, due diligence, entitlements, and construction oversight
Excellent project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex development challenges effectively
Effective organizational, communication, collaboration and leadership skills
Computer proficiency
Detail-oriented with a strong sense of urgency

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee all development agreements, architectural approvals, preliminary and final plats, civil construction plans, development permits, landscape plans and utility company designs
Lead the permitting process to expedite approvals and resolve issues with governing authorities, including local, state, and federal Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
Coordinate and direct professional consultants (engineers, planners, landscape architects, environmental, legal) to ensure timely and accurate deliverables
Develop and maintain project timelines for all front-end approvals, ensuring alignment with overall development schedules
Identify and implement value engineering opportunities to optimize design and reduce costs
Drive cost savings through supplier negotiations, rebates, and direct procurement strategies
Collaborate closely with Land Development, Construction, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project transitions
Monitor budgets related to planning, engineering, and permitting activities
Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on schedule
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in coordinating project priorities, consultant deliverables, regulatory responses, schedules, budgets, and recommendations to leadership
Perform other duties as assigned
Support the organization's mission and vision by exhibiting excellence and competence, collaboration and innovation, respect, commitment to our community, accountability, and ownership.