ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Development Director Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Director JobsProject Development Director Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Project Development Director information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$64.1K

$145.6K

$228.1K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Santa Maria, CA is $145,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Director, you need expertise in project management, business development, strategic planning, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly advantageous. Leadership, negotiation, and strong interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring project success, stakeholder alignment, and effective delivery of organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a project development director when managing cross-functional teams?

Project Development Directors often work with diverse teams from various departments such as engineering, finance, marketing, and legal. One common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles to ensure everyone is working towards the same project goals. Additionally, balancing stakeholder expectations while managing tight deadlines and budget constraints can require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Successful Project Development Directors foster collaboration, set clear objectives, and proactively address potential conflicts to keep projects on track.

What does a project development director do?

A Project Development Director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of major projects within an organization. Their responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, managing budgets, coordinating teams, and ensuring projects align with organizational goals. They often serve as the main point of contact for stakeholders and are responsible for mitigating risks and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope. Effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

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

AspectProject Development DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and long-term development initiativesManages individual projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in relevant fields, extensive experience in project planning and leadershipBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic meetings, cross-department collaborationOn-site or remote project teams, day-to-day project oversight

The Project Development Director focuses on strategic, high-level planning and oversees multiple projects, while the Project Manager handles the execution and daily management of individual projects. Both roles require strong leadership and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,632 per year, or $70 per hour.

Business Unit Director of Land Development

Cannon Corp.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$179K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
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 San Luis Obispo, Irvine or Riverside 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.
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 effectively 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.
Salary Description
$179,000 - $290,000

Apply