VP Land Acquisition and Development

VP Land Acquisition and Development position at Ashton Woods Homes

Ashton Woods is the #1 private home builder in the United States, known for innovation and award‑winning brands. The company focuses on blazing new trails to deliver thoughtfully curated, high‑quality homes for a variety of buyers.

The Vice President of Land Acquisition and Development is a critical member of the division leadership team. The role is responsible for securing undeveloped land and finished lots that enable the division to meet its sales, settlements, profitability, and growth targets. The VP works closely with land acquisition and development teams to align acquisitions with the strategic plan and provide accurate development cost estimates to support underwriting.

• Manage the land acquisition and development departments, ensuring they are competently staffed and functional. Identify land opportunities beyond the division’s objectives with potential resale profit.
• Identify land that aligns with the strategic plan and coordinate acquisition, zoning, and development processes.
• Negotiate price and terms of property acquisitions to secure a competitive edge and meet financial requirements.
• Partner with zoning attorneys, real estate attorneys, developers (in‑house and external), and regulatory agencies to mitigate risks.
• Identify opportunities to buy and "flip" land at profit and manage lot or land sale functions.
• Participate in creating the division’s strategic land acquisition and development plan and guide the process toward competitive targets.
• Actively seek niche land positions that require direct contracting, assemblage opportunities, and joint‑venture scenarios.
• Develop strong contracts with the local developer community for option deals in subdivisions.
• Manage the zoning and permitting processes, ensuring the best possible density and conditions.
• Budget for and control the land acquisition budget, including due diligence and research.
• Partner with civil engineers and design professionals to ensure construction plans provide high‑quality communities at economical cost.
• Ensure all lots provide efficient and cost‑effective building pads.
• Oversee land development contractors to keep lots on or ahead of schedule.
• Manage construction budgets to align with business plan targets.
• Coordinate with local government inspectors on development construction issues.
• Lead construction of amenity areas, entrance concepts, and land development plans.

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

• Residential real estate laws and zoning regulations.
• Contract language and ability to identify 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.

• Must read, write, and speak fluently in English. Spanish language skills helpful.
• Must have sufficient vision and hearing to use office equipment.
• Use of hands and fingers required for office equipment.
• Use of feet and legs required to walk, climb, and maneuver within construction sites.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position if requested.

Work primarily in the field at home building construction sites. Occasional work in a typical office environment. The environment is fast‑paced with frequent scheduling and priority changes and short‑notice activity.

Seniority level:
Associate.

Employment type:

Full‑time. Job function:
Sales and Management. Industries:
Real Estate and Construction.