Director of Forward Planning

About the role

Meritage Homes is seeking a Director of Forward Planning to lead the entitlement process for new Division communities, ensuring projects are delivered on budget and within schedule. This role involves overseeing zoning, permitting, due diligence, and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive successful project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entitlement process, including zoning/re-zoning, preliminary plat approval, securing vested development rights, and final subdivision plat recordation.
• Oversee development-related due diligence for potential land acquisitions, including budget preparation, schedule development, and construction drawing reviews.
• Conduct value engineering on plans during due diligence and throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage the zoning and permitting process, negotiating with municipalities to ensure compliance and approvals.
• Attend zoning and planning meetings to advocate for community interests and secure project approvals.
• Provide detailed cost analysis and project scheduling, collaborating with land acquisition teams on Land Committee business plans.
• Assess development risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Manage land disturbance permits and oversee engineering design processes.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal jurisdictions to obtain all necessary development permits.
• Oversee the Neighborhood Tracker to ensure timely opening of new neighborhoods.
• Coordinate with consultants, governmental agencies, and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Negotiate with consultants and trade partners to achieve economical and efficient outcomes.
• Present community development information to internal teams and external groups.
• Serve as a key point of contact for stakeholders involved in the development process.
• Approve lot takedowns for purchase.
• Develop and implement systems and processes to improve operational quality and efficiency within the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Forward Planning and Entitlements, ideally within a production homebuilding or master developer environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly advanced Excel skills.
• Strong familiarity with reading and understanding civil engineering plans.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with a production homebuilder or master developer.
• In-depth knowledge of zoning, permitting processes, and land entitlement procedures.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal development regulations.

Benefits

• A work environment that encourages creativity and innovative ideas.
• An organization that lives by its core values every day, with every individual considered a vital asset.
• State-of-the-art technology to provide an optimal working environment.
• Competitive pay structure and strong benefits package.
• Flexibility in work-life integration.
• Team-oriented environment where all individuals play an integral role in the company’s success.
• Opportunity to further your career in a growing national organization.

Meritage Homes is certified as a Great Place To Work and is ranked on Fortune’s Best Workplaces listings in the categories of Construction, Women, and Parents. The company has delivered over 200,000 homes in its 40-year history and is known for its distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience.