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Director Land Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Work closely with the Area Construction Managers and Director of Construction to deliver completed ...

New

Land Development Manager

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$119K - $169K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Work closely with the Area Construction Managers and Director of Construction to deliver completed ...

New

Land Development Manager

San Ramon, CA ยท On-site

$119K - $169K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Work closely with the Area Construction Managers and Director of Construction to deliver completed ...

New

Land Development Manager

San Ramon, CA ยท On-site

$119K - $169K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Work closely with the Area Construction Managers and Director of Construction to deliver completed ...

Director of Land

Roseville, CA

$88K - $121K/yr

Director of Land Land Acquisition | Entitlements | Forward Planning | Land Development Job Summary Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Land provides strategic leadership for all land ...

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The Director leads a team of professionals spanning forward planning, land development, and vertical project management, ensuring accountability for project milestones, schedules, and cross ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Land Development information

See California salary details

$15.8K

$94.5K

$175.7K

How much do director land development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director land development in California is $94,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Land Development vs Land Development Manager?

AspectDirector Land DevelopmentLand Development Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and team leadershipManages individual projects, coordinates with teams, and ensures project completion
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or related field; often a professional licenseBachelor's degree; relevant experience in land development
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level office, site visits, stakeholder meetingsOffice-based with site visits and project coordination
Industry UsageCommonly used in large firms and corporate settingsWidely used across various companies for project management roles

The main difference between a Director Land Development and a Land Development Manager lies in scope and seniority. The director focuses on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple projects, while the manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require relevant credentials and industry experience, but the director typically has a broader, more strategic focus.

What are some common challenges faced by a director land development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Land Development often encounters challenges such as navigating complex regulatory approvals, managing multidisciplinary teams, and balancing project timelines with budget constraints. Effective communication with stakeholders, including municipal officials, engineers, and community members, is key to overcoming these hurdles. Staying proactive with regulatory changes and fostering strong relationships within and outside the organization can help streamline processes and ensure project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director land development?

To thrive as a Director of Land Development, you need a solid background in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience in land development projects. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, GIS systems, and applicable regulatory processes is typically required. Leadership, negotiation, and strong communication skills are essential for managing cross-functional teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, regulatory compliance, and the ability to drive development initiatives from concept to completion.

What does a director land development do?

A Director of Land Development oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of projects related to the development of land for residential, commercial, or industrial use. This role involves managing teams, collaborating with government agencies, ensuring compliance with zoning and environmental regulations, and overseeing budgets and timelines. Directors of Land Development play a key role in identifying development opportunities, conducting due diligence, and guiding projects from concept through construction. Their work is crucial to transforming raw land into usable, profitable properties.
What are the most commonly searched types of Land Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Land Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Land Development jobs in California? For Director Land Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Land Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Land Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Land Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Land Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Land Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,455 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Business Unit Director of Land Development

Socket.dev

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Step Into a Leadership Role and Shape What's Next.Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions.

JOIN CANNON as a Business Unit Director of Land Development from either our Irvine or San Luis Obispo office. This position will oversee a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, mixed-use, and institutional development projects, lead and mentor engineering teams, and drive business development efforts with private developers, landowners, and higher education institutions. This posi

SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in water resources, public infrastructure, commercial and residential development and the energy/industrial industry. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.

BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR OF LAND DEVELOPMENT JOB SUMMARY

As the Business Unit Director of Land Development, you will drive business development, build and strengthen client relationships, mentor high-performing teams, and oversee the successful delivery of complex land development and higher education projects. This position oversees a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, mixed-use, and institutional development projects while fostering strong relationships within the development community and expanding Cannon's market presence throughout the Pacific region. The Director will establish the vision and direction for the business unit while ensuring exceptional project delivery, client satisfaction, and long-term profitability.

BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR OF LAND DEVELOPMENT JOB DUTIES
  • Drives business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, delivering presentations, and securing new opportunities.
  • Accountable for achieving business unit metric targets for revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, and growth objectives.
  • Provides project management for multiple civil engineering land development projects from proposal through delivery, ensuring budgets, schedules, and quality standards are met.
  • Leads, mentors, and develops a team of civil engineers, designers, and project assistants across multiple offices.
  • Provides daily and strategic oversight and management of the land development team.
  • Leads complex contract negotiations and successfully resolve project, client, and business issues.
  • Maintains strong interdepartmental relationships, including land surveying, structural, and water resources teams.
  • Communicate effective with various departments, clients, and agencies.
  • Collaborate with jurisdictional agencies and regulatory entities to facilitate project approvals and maintain strong working relationships.
  • Ensures effective quality assurance and quality control practices across all projects.
  • Represents Cannon with professionalism and integrity in all clients, agencies, and community interactions.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college is required.
  • California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
  • 15+ years experience in civil engineering specifically pertaining to land development projects is required.
  • 10+ years demonstrated experience supervising and successfully managing projects within the constraints of scope, schedule, budget, and performance requirements, providing technical oversight for projects and all related project phases and tasks, to include quality assurance reviews.
  • Demonstrated business development and client management (obtaining new and repeat business).
  • Maintains strong, active relationships across Southern California and California Central Coast, and Seattle developer and builder communities, leveraging industry connections to identify opportunities and strengthen client partnerships.
  • Active participation in industry organizations such as Building Industry Association (BIA) or similar associations.
  • Proven ability to lead teams to success, including experience directly reviewing and managing employee performance, and mentoring a team of three or more direct reports.
  • Proven expertise in land development design.
  • Working knowledge of computer software programs used for civil engineering design (AutoCAD, Civil3D, AES, WSPG, Flowmaster, etc.).
  • Proven experience in processing improvement plans with jurisdictional agencies.
  • Comfortable with public speaking, including presenting to clients, agencies, and internal teams.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, excellent benefits package, a hybrid work schedule, and an active and positive team building, work environment.

The Business Unit Director of Land Development position includes 100% employer-paid medical premiums for the employee and eligible dependents and eligibility to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on individual contributions, business unit performance, and overall company results.

Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age.

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