Identifying land with the potential for profitable development, securing rights, and building a pipeline of controlled opportunities: this is the core role of a Land Development Manager . This professional transforms intuition into concrete assets, balancing urban potential, regulatory feasibility, and economic viability. This job description offers an operational overview of the responsibilities, skills, and career paths, as well as advice on recruiting this strategic talent .
Role and scope of the position
Key daily tasks
The position combines land prospecting , land analysis , and deal securing . Daily tasks include mapping targeted areas, reviewing urban planning documents (Local Urban Plan, Urban Planning Guidelines, easements), assessing available land in terms of surface area and density, and evaluating risks (technical, legal, environmental). The manager conducts preliminary feasibility studies, prepares financial statements, structures proposals, negotiates preliminary agreements, and oversees the signing process with notaries, all while coordinating urban planners, lawyers, surveyors, and program teams.
Stakeholders and areas of intervention
This role is found in residential development , commercial real estate , urban logistics , hospitality , retail , as well as with landlords and property companies . In Paris and other major regional cities, the land manager balances the scarcity of available land, the expectations of local authorities, and market trends. The stakeholders are diverse : private landowners, institutional investors, local authorities, developers, public land agencies, mixed-economy companies, and networks of land brokers.
Skills and expertise required
Technical skills and assembly skills
Success hinges on a thorough understanding of land use regulations , real estate law , and operational urban planning mechanisms (permits, development zones, pre-emption rights, declarations of public utility). The ideal candidate will master program-based value creation, optimize land use, understand applicable taxes, and assess the sustainability of a project's financial statements. Strong writing and summarizing are essential to secure key milestones and document every decision.
Relationships, negotiation and influence
Persuading without being pushy. Land negotiations demand listening, consistency, and tact. The manager creates a climate of trust with landowners, builds balanced agreements, and anticipates objections (price, timeline, conditions precedent). Knowing how to communicate with elected officials and planning authorities, presenting a project vision, and advocating for a credible architectural intent complete the relational foundation.
Career path, salary and progression
Required qualifications and experience
The career paths are diverse : engineering or business schools, master's degrees in planning/urbanism, real estate law, or technical training supplemented by practical experience. Prior experience in land acquisition , structuring, transactions, or development is an asset. Profiles such as "land prospector," "land developer," or "land development officer" naturally progress toward this role.
Compensation and career prospects
Compensation combines a fixed with a variable component linked to the signing of preliminary agreements and the profit margin of transactions , sometimes including a company car. Career progression leads to roles such as development director, land acquisition manager, program director, or investment director. Depending on the market, a land development manager position in Paris faces strong competition and specific timeframes , with a generally higher compensation package.
Tools, methods and performance indicators
Sourcing, data and territorial monitoring
The profession relies on an ecosystem of tools : land registry and property records, deed databases, GIS (QGIS), risk and pollution data, density maps, CRM for tracking exchanges, and data rooms for document security. Monitoring combines weak signals (field observations, networks) and strong signals (calls for tenders, public sales, transfers of ownership) to stay ahead of opportunities.
KPI tracking and pipeline management
Several indicators provide insight: volume of qualified opportunities, offer/promise conversion rate, cycle time, project margin level, and reasons for abandonment. Clear reporting allows for guiding the entry strategy , adjusting the pricing structure , and prioritizing promising sectors .
Recruit this profile with Vauban Executive Search
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Support for companies and candidates
Need a real estate headhunter for a land development manager, land development director, or land acquisition manager? We combine traditional headhunting expertise with digital tools to identify the right mobility opportunities and secure successful hires. Candidates, you can entrust us with your land development or land manager job ; we regularly share real estate job offers and support mobility, particularly in real estate recruitment in Paris and other regions.
Do you want to delve deeper into your land development job description, structure a recruitment plan in property development, or test your talent attraction strategy against market realities? Let's talk . A direct discussion allows us to assess your needs, adjust the scope of the position, and build a pragmatic roadmap, without any initial commitment. Our team leverages the discretion, perseverance, and transparency that define our company spirit to help you achieve your ambitions in real estate.
