LAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARYSpicer Group is seeking an
ambitious and dynamic Land Development Director to lead our
growing Land Development service area with impact and vision. This pivotal role drives the strategic execution of high-profile projects, delivering transformative urban planning, redevelopment, and economic development solutions that shape communities and set industry benchmarks. You'll direct project excellence, ensuring flawless execution, budget precision, and on-time delivery while driving the financial success and growth of the service area. As a key leader, you'll align with executive leadership to shape the company's strategic vision, champion cutting-edge marketing initiatives, and cultivate powerful client and partner relationships.
The Land Development Director will lead and mentor a high-performing team, upholding a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional growth while positioning Spicer Group as a leader in the industry through deliberate leadership and impactful project delivery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProject and Financial Management- Lead the successful delivery of land development, redevelopment, urban planning, and economic development projects from concept through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations are consistently met
- Provide strategic oversight for project planning, staffing, risk management, technical execution, permitting, entitlement, and regulatory coordination across the Land Development service area
- Manage service line financial performance, including utilization, realization, revenue growth, profitability, invoicing, accounts receivable, staffing needs, and annual budget recommendations
- Serve as Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on select high-profile or strategically important projects, providing leadership, technical guidance, and accountability for successful outcomes
- Evaluate project and pursuit opportunities, including Go/No-Go decisions, proposal strategy, scope development, fee preparation, contract negotiation, and interview participation
- Implement quality management practices and proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate project, client, financial, and operational risks
Strategic Planning and Communication- Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Land Development service area that aligns with company goals, regional priorities, market opportunities, and long-term financial objectives
- Collaborate with executive leadership to shape service area vision, priorities, operational goals, and performance expectations
- Establish clear communication across offices, regions, project teams, and support departments to ensure alignment, accountability, and consistent execution
- Participate in company and regional strategic planning efforts, providing land development market insight, technical perspective, and growth recommendations
- Monitor market trends, client needs, redevelopment opportunities, and regulatory changes to position the service area for continued relevance and competitiveness
Employee and Client Engagement- Lead, mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth
- Oversee staffing, workload planning, performance management, succession planning, training, and professional development for assigned technical and practice leaders
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with public and private clients, developers, municipal leaders, agencies, community partners, and strategic industry partners
- Drive business development and marketing efforts for the Land Development service area, including client maintenance plans, pursuit strategy, presentations, articles, speaking opportunities, awards, and industry involvement
- Represent the company in community, civic, professional, and public settings to strengthen market presence and support regional strategic plans
- Serve as a trusted subject matter expert in land development, redevelopment, urban planning, entitlement, and economic development solutions
Collaboration and Leadership- Partner with Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Managers, Practice Leads, Corporate Services, Marketing, and Client Development teams to pursue, win, and deliver strategic work across the company's geographic footprint
- Build alignment between technical teams and regional leadership to support consistent project delivery, resource planning, client service, and operational performance
- Support leadership development and succession planning within the Land Development service area to ensure long-term service continuity and growth
- Champion company core values while promoting teamwork, integrity, client service, and continuous improvement across the service area
The list of specific duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not preclude assigning duties not listed herein if such duties and responsibilities are a logical assignment to the position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects involving public and private clients, developers, municipalities, agencies, consultants, and contractors
- Proven ability to grow a service area, expand client relationships, identify market opportunities, lead business development efforts, and contribute to revenue and profitability goals
- Strong knowledge of land use, zoning, site planning, infrastructure coordination, permitting, entitlement, construction practices, development regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
- Established client, developer, municipal, agency, or industry relationships within Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, or other strategic growth markets
- Professional licensure or certification such as PE, AICP, PLA, LEED AP, or other relevant credentials is preferred
- Advanced degree in planning, engineering, public administration, business administration, real estate development, or a related field is preferred
POSITION REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in a related field such as civil engineering, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, business, real estate development, or a closely related discipline
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land development, civil/site development, urban planning, redevelopment, economic development, municipal consulting, entitlement, permitting, or related professional services
- Ability to provide executive-level leadership, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, make sound business decisions, and represent the company professionally in public, client, and industry settings
- Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, project-related work, business development, company leadership meetings, and regional office coordination
FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor more information regarding our firm and/or this position, please visit the Spicer Group website at www.spicergroup.com.
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