Director of Land Acquisition & Development

Soaring Towers; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Soaring Towers in Buffalo, NY seeks a Director of Land Acquisition & Development to lead identification, evaluation, and capture of raw land for residential communities. You will supervise entitlement, permitting, horizontal development, and construction coordination to ensure on-schedule, on-budget delivery.

The role requires 7–10 years of residential land development experience, strong knowledge of municipal regulations, budgeting, and cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of residential land development experience.
• Strong knowledge of entitlement, permitting, site development, and municipal regulations.
• Experience managing horizontal development projects from raw land to municipal acceptance.
• Proven ability to manage consultants, contractors, municipalities, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with development schedules, project management software, and construction documentation.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft and related software programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate raw land opportunities for residential community development.
• Oversee feasibility analyses including zoning, utilities, wetlands, topography, access, and infrastructure.
• Coordinate due diligence with engineers, surveyors, environmental consultants, attorneys, and municipalities.
• Lead entitlement processes including rezoning, annexation, subdivision, and site plan approvals.
• Manage relationships with local government officials, planning boards, and utility agencies.
• Oversee horizontal development activities: grading, utilities, drainage, roadways, and site infrastructure.
• Track development schedules and budgets; coordinate with internal teams from development to construction.
• Prepare RFPs, evaluate contractor bids, and review invoices and cost forecasts.
• Provide regular project updates to executive leadership and establish development standards.

Skills

Budgeting

Scheduling

Negotiation

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (relevant field)

Tools

MS Office

Project management software

Job description

Location: Buffalo, NY

The Director of Land Acquisition & Development

The Director of Land Acquisition & Development is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing raw land opportunities for residential development while overseeing the complete development lifecycle from acquisition through final acceptance by the municipality. This role manages entitlement, permitting, horizontal development, and construction coordination to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

The Director of Land Acquisition & Development works closely with acquisition, engineering, construction, finance, municipal agencies, consultants, and trade partners to successfully deliver finished residential communities.

Land Sourcing & Due Diligence

• Identify and evaluate raw land opportunities for residential community development.
• Perform preliminary feasibility analysis including zoning, utilities, environmental conditions including wetland restrictions, topography, access, and infrastructure requirements.
• Coordinate and manage due diligence activities with engineers, surveyors, environmental consultants, attorneys, and municipalities.
• Support land acquisition efforts through budgeting, site planning, and entitlement strategy.
• Research project availability of pre-approved, undeveloped, and or developed lots throughout our marketing area.

Entitlements & Permitting

• Lead the entitlement process including rezoning, annexation, subdivision approvals, site plan approvals, and other municipal approvals.
• Manage relationships with local government officials, planning boards, utility agencies, and regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of development applications and supporting documentation.
• Track permit approvals and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Land Development & Construction Management

• Oversee horizontal development activities including grading, utilities, stormwater systems, roadways, and site infrastructure.
• Manage development schedules, budgets, and consultant performance to ensure timely project delivery.
• Coordinate with internal construction teams to transition projects from development through vertical construction and final acceptance by the municipality.
• Monitor construction progress, quality standards, and compliance with approved plans and specifications.
• Prepare RFP's, solicit and evaluate contractor quotes and make recommendations.
• Review and approve contractor invoices, change orders, and development cost forecasts as compared to projected budgets.

Project & Financial Management

• Prepare and maintain development budgets, proformas, and cash flow projections.
• Identify risks and implement solutions to maintain project schedules and financial performance.
• Provide regular project updates to executive leadership regarding timelines, costs, approvals, and development status.
• Assist in establishing development standards, processes, and best practices across projects.
• Maintain organized electronic filing in company directory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of residential land development experience, preferably within a homebuilding environment.
• Strong knowledge of residential entitlement processes, permitting, site development, and municipal regulations.
• Experience managing horizontal development projects from raw land through final acceptance by the municipality.
• Proven ability to manage consultants, contractors, municipalities, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with development schedules, project management software, and construction documentation.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft, and other related software programs.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of local zoning and subdivision regulations within coverage area.
• Experience with single-family, townhome, and/or master-planned community development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Organized and detail oriented

Benefits & Pay

The compensation package will include a base salary and a bonus plan based on achievement of KPI's as well as annual company performance.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: President and CEO

Supervises: Outside Consultants and Contractors as necessary