Director of Development

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods in Norman, OK seeks a Development Manager to lead full lifecycle community projects from land sourcing to permit-ready completion. You will integrate land acquisition, market analytics, contract negotiation, and field execution, while guiding internal teams and maintaining strong external stakeholder relationships.

The role emphasizes coordinating development phases, ensuring timely delivery, and building partnerships with municipalities, engineers, landowners, and

Qualifications

• One to two years of project management experience.
• One to two years of land development and/or building experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Proven ability to develop strong, personal relationships with a variety of people.
• Evidence of strong organizational abilities.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate land purchases, contracts, and development agreements.
• Identify, research, and pursue new land opportunities (on- and off-market).
• Conduct market analysis using mapping tools and data sources to guide decisions.
• Present land opportunities and recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain pipeline of acquisition opportunities and meet defined contract goals.
• Monitor all phases of development construction using checklists and site visits.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and utility providers.
• Ensure installation of utilities prior to home closings.
• Oversee erosion control, signage, infrastructure, and landscaping of developments.
• Conduct regular site visits and maintain active field presence.

Skills

Land development

Contract negotiation

Market analytics

Team leadership

Communication

Project management

Tools

Google Earth

NearMap

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of community development projects—from sourcing and acquiring land to overseeing development construction through permit-ready completion. This role integrates strategic land acquisition, market analytics, contract negotiation, and field execution, while also leading internal teams and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders.

This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of community development projects—from sourcing and acquiring land to overseeing development construction through permit-ready completion. This role integrates strategic land acquisition, market analytics, contract negotiation, and field execution, while also leading internal teams and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders.

Performance Objectives

• Source, evaluate, and secure new land opportunities in existing and emerging markets
• Oversee all phases of land development from acquisition through permit-ready stage
• Ensure development projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with company standards
• Develop and maintain relationships with municipalities, engineers, landowners, and industry partners
• Utilize market data and analytics to identify growth opportunities and guide acquisition strategy
• Lead and support development team members to ensure consistent execution and performance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of land development processes from acquisition through construction
• Working knowledge of construction drawings, utilities, and civil engineering concepts
• Experience with real estate contracts, negotiation, and deal structuring
• Ability to analyze market data and identify strategic growth opportunities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth, NearMap)
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Key Responsibilities

Land Acquisition & Strategy

• Negotiate land purchases, contracts, and development agreements
• Identify, research, and pursue new land opportunities (on- and off-market)
• Conduct market analysis using mapping tools and data sources to guide decisions
• Present land opportunities and recommendations to leadership
• Maintain pipeline of acquisition opportunities and meet defined contract goals

Development Project Oversight

• Monitor all phases of development construction using checklists, scopes of work, and site visits
• Ensure projects progress from land purchase through permit-ready status on schedule
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and utility providers
• Ensure installation of utilities (electric, gas, water, telecom) prior to home closings
• Oversee erosion control, signage, infrastructure, and landscaping of developments
• Conduct regular site visits and maintain active field presence

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Train, mentor, and support Community Development Project Managers
• Lead or participate in development meetings, land meetings, and planning sessions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with construction, sales, and leadership teams
• Provide problem-solving support across active development projects

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead due diligence processes including feasibility, utilities, and engineering considerations
• Maintain and analyze data on land opportunities, contracts, and market trends
• Build and manage mapping and tracking systems for land, utilities, and demographics
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and development best practices

Process & Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain development policies, procedures, and documentation
• Build strong relationships with city officials, engineers, landowners, and contractors
• Represent the company at planning commission, city council, and industry events
• Maintain organized records of meetings, contracts, and development activities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• One to two years of project management experience.
• One to two years of land development and/or building experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Proven ability to develop strong, personal relationships with a variety of people.
• Evidence of strong organizational abilities.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of self-motivation.

Days/Hours

• Monday through Friday, 8am 5pm, plus evenings and weekends as required.

FLSA Status

• Exempt

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is often required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.