Manager of Land Acquisition and Development

Overview Ashton Woods is more than just a home builder. From the sale of our first home in 1989 to recently being named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine, our focus has always been on blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in homebuilding. Ashton Woods, the #1 private home builder in the United States, markets its homes through its two award‑winning brands, Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for the first‑time homebuyer, offering affordable homes with well‑executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company’s commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason we are one of the most celebrated home builders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product and community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service. We believe that what we accomplish together is greater than what we deliver individually. Our team members have inspired the shared values we embrace in all decisions and actions: Unwavering Integrity, Trail Blazing, Bold Action, Collective Compassion, and Unconditional Respect. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio, and Tampa. Position Overview The Manager of Land Acquisition and Development is responsible for sourcing, contracting, entitling, and developing land to ensure the division consistently meets its sales, profitability, and growth targets. This role owns the Myrtle Beachland pipeline from initial deal through finished lot delivery. The position works closely with the VP of Land, Division President, and functional leaders to ensure communities are identified, approved, developed, and delivered on time and on budget. Responsibilities Lead Myrtle Beach area land acquisition and land development efforts for the division and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Maintain a consistent pipeline of new deals to support long-term lot supply and growth targets. Identify and source new land opportunities including direct to owner, brokered deals and assemblages. Negotiate contracts and business terms that meet or exceed division financial requirements. Manage the full contract process including deal structuring, risk identification, and coordination with legal and consultants. Oversee entitlement, zoning, and permitting efforts to maximize density and value while managing risk. Partner with engineers, planners, attorneys, and municipalities to drive approvals and resolve issues. Lead underwriting and market analysis including pricing, absorption, product positioning, and competitive analysis. Present investment opportunities to division leadership with clear recommendations and risk assessment. Manage land development from project start through lot delivery. Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within approved budgets. Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and inspectors to execute development plans. Oversee infrastructure, amenities, and overall community design execution. Manage vendor setup and payments, bond release, warranty periods, and community closeout. Provide regular updates to VP of Land and Division President on pipeline, project status, and risks. Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, developers, landowners, and local officials. Continuously improve market intelligence including land pricing, lot supply, and competitive dynamics. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, construction management, finance, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred. At least 3 years of experience in land acquisition or land development within homebuilding or related industry. Experience managing land development projects and contractors. Experience with entitlement and municipal approval processes. Real estate license preferred. Professional Knowledge & Expectations Strong understanding of land acquisition, development, and homebuilding operations. Ability to structure and negotiate complex land transactions. Financial acumen including underwriting, proformas, and deal evaluation. Knowledge of zoning, permitting, and local regulatory requirements. Ability to read and interpret site plans, engineering drawings, and development budgets. Strong market awareness including pricing, demand trends, and product positioning. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Strong communication and leadership skills. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Ability to work on active residential construction sites, including walking on uneven surfaces and navigating typical job site conditions. Ability to frequently walk and stand for extended periods and move throughout multi‑level structures, including ascending and descending stairs and ladders as required. Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing 20 pounds or more, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment with changing priorities and deadlines. Ability to operate a motor vehicle, maintain a valid and active driver’s license, and travel between job sites, offices, and assigned communities as required. This role is performed primarily in the field with regular exposure to outdoor conditions, construction noise, dust, and varying weather conditions, with occasional office‑based responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr