Land Development Manager

Residential Land Development Manager (Field Operations Focus)

Reports to: Director of Development / VP of Land Development

Job Description:

The Residential Land Development Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing all field operations and contractor activities related to residential land development projects throughout Utah. This role focuses on executing horizontal construction work in the field, ensuring contractors perform safely, efficiently, and in compliance with approved plans, schedules, budgets, and Utah municipal requirements. The position serves as the primary on-site representative for the owner during development and construction.

Scope of Responsibilities/Duties:

Field Operations & Contractor Management

Oversee day-to-day field operations for residential land development projects, including grading, utilities, roadways, storm drainage, and site improvements.

Manage and coordinate all contractors and subcontractors performing horizontal construction work.

Conduct regular on-site inspections to verify work complies with approved plans, specifications, and municipal standards.

Enforce safety standards and ensure contractors comply with OSHA, SWPPP, and site-specific safety requirements.

Identify field issues early and work with contractors, engineers, and municipalities to resolve constructability and coordination challenges.

Schedule & Cost Control

Monitor contractor schedules and production rates to ensure milestones are met.

Track quantities, review pay applications, and verify completed work prior to approval.

Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring pricing is fair and scope is justified.

Assist in developing and maintaining project budgets and cost forecasts related to field operations.

Coordination with Consultants & Agencies

Coordinate with civil engineers, surveyors, inspectors, and testing agencies to support construction activities.

Schedule and attend municipal inspections with Utah cities, counties, and utility providers.

Ensure timely resolution of inspection comments and punch list items.

Coordinate utility installations and tie-ins with local utility companies.

Permitting, Compliance & Quality Control

Ensure contractors adhere to permit conditions, approved construction drawings, and development agreements.

Monitor environmental compliance, including erosion control, stormwater management, and site stabilization.

Maintain quality control standards for all horizontal improvements prior to acceptance.

Reporting & Communication

Provide regular field reports including progress photos, schedule updates, cost status, and issue logs.

Communicate daily with contractors and weekly with internal development leadership.

Serve as the primary point of contact between the owner and contractors in the field.

Job Qualifications:

Field experience preferred; bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, or related field considered.

5-10+ years of hands-on experience managing horizontal construction for residential land development projects.

Demonstrated experience directly managing contractors and subcontractors in the field.

Strong understanding of horizontal infrastructure construction including grading, utilities, paving, and stormwater systems.

Working knowledge of Utah municipal construction standards and inspection processes.

Ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings and specifications.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make field-based decisions.

Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Experience reviewing pay applications, change orders, and construction schedules.

Proficiency with MS Excel and construction/project management software.

Experience working with Utah contractors, inspectors, and utility providers.

SWPPP certification, OSHA training, or similar safety credentials.

Experience delivering finished residential lots to homebuilders.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent walking, standing, and climbing stairs in/around construction sites, apartment homes, models, and properties.

The position will require significant daily travel within the state of Utah

Must have the ability to read and comprehend large quantities of information, operate computer equipment, speak, hear, bend, stoop, reach, lift, move, and carry up to 60 lbs. independently.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about office setting.

To perform other duties as required.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

Manage Complexity: Make sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively analyze situations and identify solutions.

Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives.

Plans and Aligns: Plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational needs and goals. Includes ability to break down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions while anticipating and adjusting effective contingency plans.

Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity by following through on commitments, keeping confidences, and showing consistency between words and actions.

Strategic Mindset: Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies. Achieved by anticipating future trends and implications accurately and articulating credible pictures and visions of possibilities that will create sustainable value.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and #DestinationHomes reserves the right to do so at any time. Employee shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.