Land Acquisition Manager

About the Job:

We’re seeking a Director of Land Acquisition to lead land acquisition, entitlement, and development initiatives for a growing residential homebuilding organization in Colorado. This role is responsible for identifying strategic land opportunities, managing acquisition processes, overseeing land development activities, and driving projects from initial evaluation through completion.

This opportunity is with an established homebuilding organization focused on creating high-quality communities and delivering long-term value through thoughtful land planning, development, and execution. The Director of Land Acquisition will play a key leadership role in shaping the division’s growth strategy while collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and government agencies.

The ideal candidate is a strategic real estate leader with strong experience in land acquisition, entitlement, development, negotiations, and team leadership. This individual will have the opportunity to influence future communities, manage complex development initiatives, and help guide the continued growth of the organization’s Colorado market presence.

• Identify and evaluate land and lot acquisition opportunities aligned with company growth objectives.
• Prospect for new acquisition opportunities and establish strong broker, seller, and industry relationships.
• Negotiate, structure, and finalize land purchase agreements, including LOIs and contracts.
• Manage due diligence processes and present acquisition opportunities for internal approval.
• Analyze land development proformas, market trends, pricing, and investment opportunities.
• Maintain acquisition reports, contract summaries, critical dates, and market analysis.
• Build relationships with builders, developers, brokers, and industry professionals to maintain market awareness.
• Coordinate with engineers, planners, architects, contractors, and internal teams throughout the acquisition process.
• Work with local, county, state, and federal agencies to secure zoning, entitlement, and regulatory approvals.

• Oversee land development strategy, objectives, schedules, and execution plans.
• Lead and manage land development teams, processes, and departmental initiatives.
• Develop annual land department budgets and project schedules.
• Manage development costs and ensure projects remain within budget expectations.
• Oversee bidding processes, contractor negotiations, and land development agreements.
• Review engineering plans, specifications, and development designs to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate site development activities including grading, infrastructure, utilities, streets, and community improvements.
• Monitor construction progress, maintain project reports, and resolve development challenges.
• Manage permitting, bonding, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.
• Ensure communities maintain quality standards through project completion and closeout.

• Manage land acquisition projects through the entitlement process.
• Evaluate site feasibility and provide strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate entitlement packages and support approvals with municipalities and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain relationships with homeowner associations, public agencies, and community stakeholders as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience within residential homebuilding, land acquisition, land development, or entitlement.
• Strong background in land acquisition and development processes.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex real estate projects.
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong understanding of market trends, pricing, growth patterns, and land supply.
• Knowledge of local, county, state, and federal regulations related to land development.
• Ability to analyze financial models, development budgets, and project costs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Exp…