Land Development Director

Spicer Group•Byron Center, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Spicer Group is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Land Development Director to lead our growing Land Development service area with impact and vision. This pivotal role drives the strategic execution of high-profile projects, delivering transformative urban planning, redevelopment, and economic development solutions that shape communities and set industry benchmarks. You’ll direct project excellence, ensuring flawless execution, budget precision, and on-time delivery while driving the financial success and growth of the service area. As a key leader, you’ll align with executive leadership to shape the company’s strategic vision, champion cutting-edge marketing initiatives, and cultivate powerful client and partner relationships. The Land Development Director will lead and mentor a high-performing team, upholding a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional growth while positioning Spicer Group as a leader in the industry through deliberate leadership and impactful project delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as civil engineering, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, business, real estate development, or a closely related discipline
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land development, civil/site development, urban planning, redevelopment, economic development, municipal consulting, entitlement, permitting, or related professional services
Ability to provide executive-level leadership, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, make sound business decisions, and represent the company professionally in public, client, and industry settings
Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, project-related work, business development, company leadership meetings, and regional office coordination

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects involving public and private clients, developers, municipalities, agencies, consultants, and contractors
Proven ability to grow a service area, expand client relationships, identify market opportunities, lead business development efforts, and contribute to revenue and profitability goals
Strong knowledge of land use, zoning, site planning, infrastructure coordination, permitting, entitlement, construction practices, development regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Established client, developer, municipal, agency, or industry relationships within Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, or other strategic growth markets
Professional licensure or certification such as PE, AICP, PLA, LEED AP, or other relevant credentials is preferred
Advanced degree in planning, engineering, public administration, business administration, real estate development, or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the successful delivery of land development, redevelopment, urban planning, and economic development projects from concept through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations are consistently met
Provide strategic oversight for project planning, staffing, risk management, technical execution, permitting, entitlement, and regulatory coordination across the Land Development service area
Manage service line financial performance, including utilization, realization, revenue growth, profitability, invoicing, accounts receivable, staffing needs, and annual budget recommendations
Serve as Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on select high-profile or strategically important projects, providing leadership, technical guidance, and accountability for successful outcomes
Evaluate project and pursuit opportunities, including Go/No-Go decisions, proposal strategy, scope development, fee preparation, contract negotiation, and interview participation
Implement quality management practices and proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate project, client, financial, and operational risks
Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Land Development service area that aligns with company goals, regional priorities, market opportunities, and long-term financial objectives
Collaborate with executive leadership to shape service area vision, priorities, operational goals, and performance expectations
Establish clear communication across offices, regions, project teams, and support departments to ensure alignment, accountability, and consistent execution
Participate in company and regional strategic planning efforts, providing land development market insight, technical perspective, and growth recommendations
Monitor market trends, client needs, redevelopment opportunities, and regulatory changes to position the service area for continued relevance and competitiveness
Lead, mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth
Oversee staffing, workload planning, performance management, succession planning, training, and professional development for assigned technical and practice leaders
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with public and private clients, developers, municipal leaders, agencies, community partners, and strategic industry partners
Drive business development and marketing efforts for the Land Development service area, including client maintenance plans, pursuit strategy, presentations, articles, speaking opportunities, awards, and industry involvement
Represent the company in community, civic, professional, and public settings to strengthen market presence and support regional strategic plans
Serve as a trusted subject matter expert in land development, redevelopment, urban planning, entitlement, and economic development solutions
Partner with Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Managers, Practice Leads, Corporate Services, Marketing, and Client Development teams to pursue, win, and deliver strategic work across the company’s geographic footprint
Build alignment between technical teams and regional leadership to support consistent project delivery, resource planning, client service, and operational performance
Support leadership development and succession planning within the Land Development service area to ensure long-term service continuity and growth
Champion company core values while promoting teamwork, integrity, client service, and continuous improvement across the service area