Land Development Project Manager

Location: Pensacola, Florida (with regular travel to project sites throughout the Gulf Coast and Southeast region) POSITION SUMMARY The Land Development Project Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of residential, multifamily, and mixed-use development projects—from site identification and acquisition support through entitlements, design, permitting, construction, and final acceptance. This role serves as the primary coordinator between internal teams, consultants, contractors, government agencies, utility providers, and ownership to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with business objectives. The ideal candidate combines strong project management skills with expertise in land acquisition, due diligence, entitlements, infrastructure development, market analysis, and municipal approvals. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Assist with sourcing, evaluating, and underwriting land acquisition opportunities through comprehensive due diligence, market research, and financial feasibility analysis. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to evaluate the feasibility of prospective development opportunities. Analyze residential home sales, rental rates, absorption trends, builder activity, and demographic data to validate project assumptions. Prepare land valuation analyses using comparable sales, projected development costs, and anticipated finished lot or home sale pricing. Coordinate with internal sales, construction, and finance teams to develop and refine product mix, pricing strategies, and target returns. Monitor local market conditions, housing supply, economic trends, and competitive developments to identify risks and opportunities. Assist in preparing preliminary pro formas by validating key assumptions related to sales pace, pricing, development costs, and timing. Coordinate and manage due diligence activities, including: Environmental assessments Wetland evaluations Geotechnical studies Traffic studies Survey and title review Zoning and comprehensive plan analysis Prepare and maintain due diligence checklists and risk assessments. Review purchase agreements and track contractual milestones, contingency periods, and closing requirements. Develop preliminary land development budgets and schedules. Support financial underwriting by providing cost estimates, development assumptions, and entitlement timelines. Entitlements & Government Approvals Rezoning applications Planned development approvals Variance and waiver requests Manage relationships with local municipalities, counties, utility providers, and regulatory agencies. Coordinate public hearings, neighborhood meetings, and presentations to planning commissions and governing boards. Monitor regulatory changes that may impact project feasibility or timelines. Secure permits and approvals required for development activities. Select, contract, and manage third‑party consultants, including: Land planners Traffic engineers Geotechnical engineers Landscape architects Attorneys Oversee preparation and coordination of construction documents. Ensure plans align with project budgets, market objectives, and operational requirements. Review consultant invoices and manage project budgets. Development & Construction Management Manage horizontal development activities from pre‑construction through project closeout. Develop and maintain project schedules and critical path timelines. Coordinate bidding, contractor selection, and contract execution. Monitor construction progress, quality, and budget performance. Review and approve pay applications, change orders, and contractor invoices. Coordinate with utility providers and government agencies to ensure timely installation of infrastructure. Identify and resolve issues impacting schedule, cost, or quality. Conduct regular site visits and maintain project documentation. Prepare and manage development budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections. Track project expenditures against approved budgets. Evaluate change order requests and provide cost recommendations. Prepare monthly project status reports for leadership and investors. Maintain accurate records of contracts, permits, approvals, and project correspondence. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with acquisitions, finance, operations, construction, sales, and property management teams to ensure seamless project execution. Support strategic planning efforts and pipeline management. Assist with long‑range land planning and market research. Projects delivered on schedule Projects delivered within approved budgets Variance between budgeted and actual development costs Accuracy of development budgets and schedules Reduction in change orders and rework Consultant and contractor performance Timely completion of due diligence and closing milestones Successful permit acquisition and agency coordination Accuracy of market analysis and feasibility assumptions REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in land development, civil engineering, homebuilding, real estate development, or project management. Experience managing residential, multifamily, commercial, or mixed‑use land development projects. Strong understanding of: Site development and infrastructure construction Utility coordination Market feasibility analysis Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management software, BlueBeam and development scheduling tools. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling. Ability to read and interpret: Surveys Geotechnical reports Development agreements Construction contracts Market studies and pro formas PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience with projects in Florida, Alabama, or other Gulf Coast markets. Knowledge of local government processes, permitting requirements, and utility agencies. Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar certification. Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, GIS, Procore, Buildertrend, or similar platforms. Existing relationships with consultants, contractors, and municipalities. CORE COMPETENCIES Strong organizational and time management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Negotiation and relationship management Strategic thinking and problem-solving Financial acumen and budget management Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously High attention to detail and sense of ownership Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced entrepreneurial environment PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT Ability to travel regularly to project sites and government meetings. Ability to walk active construction sites and undeveloped land. Occasional lifting of plans, samples, and field equipment up to 25 pounds. Combination of office, field, and municipal meeting environments. SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE Land acquisitions move efficiently from contract to closing. Development opportunities are thoroughly vetted and financially feasible. Entitlements are secured with minimal delays. Development projects stay on budget and on schedule. Consultants and contractors are held accountable. Leadership has clear visibility into project risks, opportunities, and milestones. Projects transition seamlessly from land acquisition through horizontal construction and vertical development. #J-18808-Ljbffr