Manager or Director, Land Development

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director or Manager of Land Development to lead and manage all aspects of land acquisition and development for utility-scale solar projects. This role is responsible for directing a team of land development professionals, overseeing complex real estate transactions, and navigating entitlement processes to support the successful execution of solar project pipelines.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in land development, strong leadership capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex deals and land use challenges across multiple jurisdictions. This position plays a critical role in shaping our development strategy and ensuring project viability from land acquisition through pre-construction .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of land development professionals, including mentorship, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee all land acquisition and development efforts for utility-scale solar projects, from initial site identification to entitlement and pre-construction readiness.
• Direct internal and external teams in the evaluation, negotiation, and execution of complex land transactions.
• Collaborate with internal departments (legal, engineering, finance, and project development) to assess project feasibility and risks.
• Engage with local planning authorities and regulatory agencies to secure zoning approvals, conditional/special use permits, and other entitlements.
• Represent the company at public meetings and hearings as part of the entitlement and community engagement process.
• Review and approve land development strategy documents, presentations, and site evaluations prepared by the team.
• Coordinate multiple development timelines and entitlement tracks across diverse geographies.
• Support continuous process improvement and scalability of land acquisition and entitlement strategies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise, train, and mentor land development staff, including junior and mid-level developers.
• Participate in departmental hiring decisions and organizational planning.
• Set clear goals, KPIs, and performance expectations for the land development team.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in land development, real estate, or utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Proven experience managing a team and overseeing complex land transactions and entitlement efforts.
• Deep understanding of zoning processes including rezoning, CUP, and SUP.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple concurrent efforts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Adobe and GIS tools a plus.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills; experience presenting to local officials and community stakeholders.
• Solar or energy sector experience is highly desirable but not required.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office environment and in the field.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist and lift up to 20 pounds.