Job Description - Land Acquisition VP (2406334)
Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company focused on delivering desirable communities for homebuilders in both established locations and long-term growth markets. Forestar’s vision is to be the nation’s leading residential lot developer. The Company’s strategic relationship with D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, complements Forestar’s vision of creating neighborhoods that enhance the lives of community residents while creating value for shareholders, trade partners, and employees.
Position Overview
The Land Acquisition VP works with the Division President to establish the land acquisition goals that support the division’s annual business plan. Responsible for managing the operation to find, contract, obtain agency approvals, and close on land to meet the division’s objectives and goals. Directs the process of land analysis, negotiations, purchase agreements, and corporate submittal packages to determine feasibility.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
- Performs the obligations and signature duties required by the elected office stated in the Corporate Authority resolutions.
- Actively search for land available for purchase.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships and a network of business contacts for avenues of possible acquisitions.
- Negotiates the acquisition of properties with landowners, banks, attorneys, or brokers.
- Oversees the entire due diligence process on land acquisition opportunities, observing time-sensitive dates.
- Perform market analyses to determine financial viability of potential projects.
- Physically walk the land to determine potential for special development situations (e.g., demolition, utilities, relocations, special grading issues, abandonment, environmental, etc.).
- Submit, obtain, and review environmental reports to identify issues that require federal or state permits, or issues that could prevent or delay acquisition.
- Attend city staff meetings, public hearings, neighbor hearings, and be prepared to speak when necessary.
- Obtain necessary zoning for projects by meeting with sellers, municipalities, submitting requests, and attending hearings.
- Responsible for the tax appeal process and all research, applications, and attending tax appeal hearings representing Forestar Group.
- Evaluate and verify work done by consultants pertaining to plot plans and subdivision layouts.
- Verify and oversee final plat recordation.
- Solicit bids to hire architects, engineering, and other consultants to prepare plans and exhibits for project submittal.
- Review operations and performance of the Land Acquisition team. Works with Division President to take corrective action as deemed necessary to achieve goals.
- Oversee the process of preparing the Investment Committee package including acquisition and development-related budgets, exhibits, and schedules.
- Responsible for obtaining, completing, and submitting city applications with applicable fees.
- Keep current on area market transactions and industry trends.
- Communicate critical dates and information to other department heads.
- Evaluate workload and establish priorities to staff.
- Conduct all business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May directly manage two or more employees in the Operations Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related field from a four-year college or university.
- Seven to ten years land acquisition experience.
- Must have a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to meet multiple deadlines concurrently in a high-pressure environment.
- Experience in contract negotiation.
- Proven ability to lead and execute strong oral presentations.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written and oral form or via FOR applications.
- Proficiency with MS Office and email.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge in market analyses.
- Experience in the residential homebuilding industry.
- Knowledge of residential land due diligence and entitlements.
Come join a winning team! We are growing fast and are looking for enthusiastic attitudes and team players to join our success. We offer an excellent benefits package:
- Medical, Vision, and Dental.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Flex Spending Accounts.
- Life Insurance.
- Vacation, Sick, Personal Time, and Company Holidays.