Land Development Manager Jobs in Fairhope, AL (NOW HIRING)

Trap’s Construction, a Gulf South-based residential and commercial developer with over a decade of experience in civil construction, is seeking a driven and results-oriented Land Acquisition & Development Manager. This role is ideal for someone with exceptional organizational, negotiation, and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to play a key role in our continued growth.

Position Overview:
In this role, you will utilize your expertise in land acquisition, land development, zoning, and real estate development daily. You will need to be able to effectively negotiate with landowners and government agencies, while also managing the due diligence process to ensure compliance with all regulations and maintaining relationships with home builders. Strong communication and collaboration skills will be essential, as you will be working directly with the CEO. Additionally, your market analysis skills will be critical in identifying and evaluating potential land acquisition opportunities. Overall, this role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.

Land Acquisition:

• Source new land opportunities by networking with brokers, builders, engineers, planners, municipalities, and landowners.
• Analyze aerial maps, assessor databases, and site plans (not limited to) to identify potential residential parcels.
• Conduct title and municipal research and initial “cold call” inquiry for potential land leads
• Prepare financial analyses, market research, and risk assessments.
• Negotiate purchase agreements and manage due diligence processes, including title reviews and environmental assessments.
• Guide projects through various entitlement stages, including zoning approvals and final plats.
• Ensure compliance with zoning and land use regulations, maintain project valuation models, and prepare investment summaries for leadership.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions to enhance the company’s reputation and profitability.
• Perform other duties related to land acquisition as needed or assigned.

Land Development:

• Review development agreements and oversee the full land development process—from negotiations and entitlement to construction and turnover.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors to develop project plans and budgets.
• Secure necessary permits and approvals, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage the bid process and day to day horizontal development of each assigned community.
• Monitor project schedules and budgets, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with development projects
• Extensive experience dealing with banks on construction loans for developments and the AIA pay apps and inspections process.

Minimum Qualifications

• This is not a work from home job unless you are hired as a consultant. Our office is located in Foley, AL, and it is a requirement to report to work at this location Monday-Friday unless travel is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field experience.
• Minimum of 6 years experience in single-family and multi-family land acquisition.
• Strong knowledge of zoning laws and land use regulations.
• Proven track record in managing multiple residential projects from start to finish.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; CAD or GIS experience preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Must be willing to travel as needed. Territories will include the entire Gulf Coast. (Texas-Florida)
• Established relationships with local, regional, and national homebuilders.
• A portfolio of current projects and previously completed projects in the last 5 years.
• Industry related references including but not limited to national and regional home builders, engineers, municipalities, bankers, general contractors, and suppliers.

Salary Structure

Salaries are negotiable and can be catered to meet minimum requirements for deliverables and desired annual salary. (Creative Structuring)

Examples of Salary Structures

• Option 1:
• • W-2 Base salary will determine the minimum number of entitled lots, developments, or takedowns required per quarter or annually.
  • Bonuses will be paid after the minimum requirements have been met for the base salary on additional lots, developments, and takedowns.
  • No cap on annual bonuses! 
  • Vehicle and fuel allowance for travel will be provided.
  • Phone allowance
  • Health benefits are available through a third-party provider.
  • Working at our Foley, AL office.
• Option 2: 1099 Employee
• • A commission-based salary paid per lot, development, or takedown. Minimum requirements for quarterly and annual deliverables will apply.
  • No pay cap on this commission-based structure.
  • No benefits or reimbursements unless negotiated.
  • Working at our Foley, AL office.
• Option 3: Consultant
• • We do hire outside consultants working in our desired territories.
  • This will strictly be commission based, with no minimum requirements quarterly or annually.
  • If the project you bring to us meets our underwriting requirements, commissions will be negotiated on a project-to-project basis.
  • Required to attend a weekly project update meeting either by zoom or in person at our Foley, AL office.