President, Land Development with a National Developer – Denver, CO

Role Overview for President, Land Development with a National Developer – Denver, CO

JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, top-tier national developer in their search for a visionary and results-driven President of Land Development. Based in the thriving metropolitan hub of Denver, Colorado, this executive leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of communities and drive the strategic growth of the company’s regional portfolio. The successful candidate will be a seasoned real estate professional with an exceptional track record in all facets of the land development lifecycle, from initial site identification and acquisition to final entitlement and delivery of finished lots.

As the President of Land Development, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the division’s performance, overseeing a talented team of professionals and managing a significant pipeline of projects. You will be the strategic architect behind the region’s land acquisition strategy, leveraging your deep market knowledge and extensive network to identify and secure prime development opportunities. This is more than a management position; it is a role for a leader who can inspire a team, navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes, and execute a long-term vision that delivers outstanding financial results and creates lasting value for the organization and its stakeholders. You will be instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint in Colorado and adjacent markets, building upon a legacy of quality, innovation, and community-focused development.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of managing multi-million dollar budgets and complex, multi-phased projects. You possess superior negotiation skills, profound financial acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This pivotal role requires a leader who can not only manage the present but also anticipate future market trends, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the residential and mixed-use development industry.

Key Responsibilities of President, Land Development with a National Developer – Denver, CO

The President of Land Development will direct and oversee all aspects of the land development process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Key responsibilities are extensive and include:

Strategic Leadership & Business Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Land Development division that aligns with the company’s national objectives and capitalizes on opportunities within the Denver market.
• Establish annual and long-term goals, budgets, and performance metrics (KPIs) for the division, ensuring financial strength and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of professionals, including acquisition managers, project managers, and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present regular, detailed reports on project status, financial performance, and market conditions to the executive leadership team and board of directors.
• Act as a key member of the executive team, contributing to the overall corporate strategy and growth initiatives.

Land Acquisition & Due Diligence

• Spearhead all land acquisition efforts, from sourcing and identifying potential sites to negotiating purchase agreements and closing transactions.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with landowners, brokers, and other real estate professionals to ensure a consistent pipeline of off-market and marketed opportunities.
• Oversee the entire due diligence process, including feasibility studies, financial analysis, environmental assessments, title reviews, and zoning research, to mitigate risk and confirm project viability.
• Develop and refine sophisticated financial models and pro formas to accurately forecast project costs, revenues, and profitability, ensuring all acquisitions meet or exceed corporate investment criteria.

Entitlement, Planning, & Design

• Direct the entire entitlement and permitting process, navigating complex municipal and agency requirements to secure all necessary approvals for development.
• Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with government officials, planning staff, community groups, and other key stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and predictable approval process.
• Lead the master planning and design process, collaborating with architects, engineers, and planners to create innovative and marketable community concepts.
• Ensure that all development plans adhere to the highest standards of design and incorporate a deep understanding of modern sustainable land use practices and smart growth principles.

Project Management & Operations

• Provide executive oversight for all development and construction activities, ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Manage the selection and engagement of third-party consultants, contractors, and vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring performance.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex issues related to construction, engineering, or regulatory compliance that may arise during the development lifecycle.
• Oversee the development and management of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and community infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition to residents upon project completion.

Requirements for the President, Land Development with a National Developer – Denver, CO

Candidates must possess a distinguished career in real estate development, demonstrating progressive leadership and a comprehensive skill set. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in land development, with a significant portion spent in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President, Division President).
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing the entire development lifecycle for large-scale residential and/or mixed-use projects, from acquisition through to lot delivery.
• Extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Denver and broader Colorado real estate market, including its political, regulatory, and economic landscape.
• Demonstrated expertise in land acquisition, contract negotiation, due diligence, and financial modeling.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a history of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multi-million dollar P&Ls and complex project budgets.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from investors to community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Real Estate Development (MRED), or a related discipline.
• An established and robust network of industry contacts in the Colorado market, including brokers, attorneys, engineers, and municipal officials.
• Experience working for a large public or private national homebuilder or developer.
• Expertise in developing and executing complex development agreements and public-private partnerships.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:

Executive Compensation

A competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and long-term incentive plan (equity/phantom stock).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

Retirement Planning

A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.

Generous Paid Time Off

A flexible and substantial paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.

Executive Perks

Includes a vehicle allowance, professional development budget, and coverage for industry association memberships.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Denver area.

Career Growth

The opportunity to hold a highly visible and impactful leadership role within a respected and growing national organization.

How to Apply

This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this exceptional leadership opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We encourage you to explore our expertise and other opportunities by connecting with JRG Partners’ Real Estate Executive Search team. We are dedicated to connecting visionary leaders with transformative roles in the real estate industry. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.