Director of Land Development
J.A. Watts, LLC, Lisle, IL, United States
Description
J. A. Watts, LLC (JWI) is a woman-founded professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, making us stronger together.
The Director of Land Development leads the planning, design, and execution of residential, commercial, and public development projects, with responsibility for project performance, budgets, schedules, and client satisfaction. This role manages multidisciplinary project teams, serves as the primary client contact, and partners with senior leadership to deliver departmental and business objectives. The Director of Land Development mentors and develops technical staff, fosters a high-performing team culture aligned with the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and applies a strong design engineering background to complex projects. The position also supports business development through client relationship management, identification of new opportunities, and strategic growth initiatives, working closely with the Vice President of Specialty Projects and the Department Senior Vice President. The role requires a minimum of three days per week in the Lisle office or at project sites, with remote candidates considered.
Duties And Responsibilities
Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business’s value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, in order to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
Identify and acquire necessary project resources internally and externally
Oversee projects that may include site grading, road design, storm water conveyance, quantity and quality modeling, sewer conveyance system design, water conveyance system design, erosion and Sediment Control system design, land entitlement and site layout
Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to the executive leadership team on a regular basis
Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations
Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program
10+ years of professional experience managing land development projects through all phases, from inception to completion
Private project experience required
Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain within one year of employment
Active membership in land development–related industry organizations preferred
Valid driver’s license with ability to travel for site visits
Strong ability to develop and implement effective solutions related to process efficiency, project costs, budgeting, team development, and client needs
Proven leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across all organizational levels and with clients
Demonstrated experience developing and initiating business development opportunities, including strategic planning efforts
Design management experience preferred
High level of business acumen with a solid understanding of management functions for multi-disciplinary teams
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, peers, direct reports, and diverse personalities
Strong problem-solving and solution-oriented approach
High-level proficiency with relevant software, including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam
Company Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
Matching 401(k) retirement plan
Paid time off and holidays
Flexible work schedules
Student debt repayment resources available
Professional development and tuition assistance
ID Theft protection
Company-sponsored social events
Equal Opportunity Employer An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Salary Description $176,800 - $218,400
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Director of Land Development leads the planning, design, and execution of residential, commercial, and public development projects, with responsibility for project performance, budgets, schedules, and client satisfaction. This role manages multidisciplinary project teams, serves as the primary client contact, and partners with senior leadership to deliver departmental and business objectives. The Director of Land Development mentors and develops technical staff, fosters a high-performing team culture aligned with the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and applies a strong design engineering background to complex projects. The position also supports business development through client relationship management, identification of new opportunities, and strategic growth initiatives, working closely with the Vice President of Specialty Projects and the Department Senior Vice President. The role requires a minimum of three days per week in the Lisle office or at project sites, with remote candidates considered.
Duties And Responsibilities
Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business’s value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, in order to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
Identify and acquire necessary project resources internally and externally
Oversee projects that may include site grading, road design, storm water conveyance, quantity and quality modeling, sewer conveyance system design, water conveyance system design, erosion and Sediment Control system design, land entitlement and site layout
Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to the executive leadership team on a regular basis
Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations
Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program
10+ years of professional experience managing land development projects through all phases, from inception to completion
Private project experience required
Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain within one year of employment
Active membership in land development–related industry organizations preferred
Valid driver’s license with ability to travel for site visits
Strong ability to develop and implement effective solutions related to process efficiency, project costs, budgeting, team development, and client needs
Proven leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across all organizational levels and with clients
Demonstrated experience developing and initiating business development opportunities, including strategic planning efforts
Design management experience preferred
High level of business acumen with a solid understanding of management functions for multi-disciplinary teams
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, peers, direct reports, and diverse personalities
Strong problem-solving and solution-oriented approach
High-level proficiency with relevant software, including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam
Company Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
Matching 401(k) retirement plan
Paid time off and holidays
Flexible work schedules
Student debt repayment resources available
Professional development and tuition assistance
ID Theft protection
Company-sponsored social events
Equal Opportunity Employer An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Salary Description $176,800 - $218,400
#J-18808-Ljbffr