VP Land Acquisition and Development

About the Role

The Vice President of Land Acquisition and Development is a critical member of the division leadership team at Ashton Woods, responsible for providing undeveloped land and finished lots to meet sales, settlements, profitability, and growth targets. This role works closely with the management team to ensure alignment with sales, marketing, and construction requirements, and collaborates with the land acquisition team to identify and underwrite land deals that support the company's strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Manage the land acquisition and development departments, ensuring competent staffing and functionality.
• Identify land opportunities that align with the strategic plan and coordinate acquisition, zoning, and development processes.
• Negotiate property acquisition terms to ensure competitive advantages in target sub-markets.
• Partner with zoning attorneys, real estate attorneys, developers, and regulatory agencies to mitigate risks.
• Identify and execute land "flip" opportunities for profit.
• Manage lot and land sale functions within the division.
• Participate in strategic land acquisition and development planning, guiding competitive acquisition targets.
• Pursue niche land positions, including assemblage opportunities and joint ventures.
• Develop relationships with local developers for option deals in competitive subdivisions.
• Manage zoning, permitting, and development processes to optimize density and conditions.
• Control land acquisition budgets, including due diligence and research.
• Collaborate with design professionals to ensure high-quality, cost-effective community construction.
• Manage land development contractors to ensure timely lot completion.
• Coordinate with local government inspectors on development construction issues.
• Oversee construction of amenity areas, entrance concepts, and land development plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, construction management, finance, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in business, finance, real estate, or related field preferred.
• At least five years of experience in land acquisition, divestiture, and land development construction management.
• Realtor or Broker’s license preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to learn other computer programs.

Knowledge

• Residential real estate laws and zoning regulations.
• Contract language and critical deal points.
• Broker networking.
• Supply/demand analysis and demographic mapping.
• Local residential housing markets.
• Land development process.
• Basic financial analysis and proforma creation.
• Deal structures: option contracts, mezzanine financing, joint ventures, assemblages, and land banking.
• Topographical effects on development.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking in English (Spanish helpful but not required).
• Ability to hear and use office equipment.
• Use of hands and fingers for standard office equipment.
• Ability to walk, climb, and maneuver within construction sites.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in the field (construction sites) with occasional office work. The environment is fast-paced, with frequent schedule and priority changes.