Forward Planning Manager

About the role

Neal Communities is seeking an experienced and strategic Forward Planning Manager to lead the front-end planning and permitting efforts for our land development projects. In this role, you’ll oversee entitlements, permitting, consultant coordination, development approvals, and project timelines while partnering closely with internal teams and regulatory agencies to keep projects moving forward efficiently.

What You'll Do

• Manage and oversee all development agreements, architectural approvals, preliminary and final plats, civil construction plans, development permits, landscape plans and utility company designs
• Lead the permitting process to expedite approvals and resolve issues with governing authorities, including local, state, and federal Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Coordinate and direct professional consultants (engineers, planners, landscape architects, environmental, legal) to ensure timely and accurate deliverables
• Develop and maintain project timelines for all front-end approvals, ensuring alignment with overall development schedules
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities to optimize design and reduce costs
• Drive cost savings through supplier negotiations, rebates, and direct procurement strategies
• Collaborate closely with Land Development, Construction, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project transitions
• Monitor budgets related to planning, engineering, and permitting activities
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on schedule
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in coordinating project priorities, consultant deliverables, regulatory responses, schedules, budgets, and recommendations to leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Love About Working At Neal Communities

We take tremendous pride in making a positive difference in our team's lives. Our employees are not just an asset to Neal Communities and its customers; they are essential to the success of our business

• Outstanding Benefits - Health Care - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Excellent Compensation Package
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(K) with Company Matching Contributions
• PTO & Paid Holidays
• Employer Paid ID Theft Protection
• Employee Home Purchase Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Service Awards
• Vendor Discount Program

Requirements

• Five to seven years in land development and entitlement planning in the home-building industry
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Business Accounting, or Construction Management
• Proven experience in land development management, including site selection, due diligence, entitlements, and construction oversight
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex development challenges effectively
• Effective organizational, communication, collaboration and leadership skills
• Computer proficiency
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of urgency

Physical Requirements

General sedentary work requiring the use of office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, scanners and telephones

• The ability to lift, carry, push and pull 20/60/100 pounds occasionally
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain.
• The ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift frequently
• Continuous walking, standing and moving about
• Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs
• Works in various outdoor weather conditions