Director of Land Development

Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Director of Land Development to lead the planning and execution of major residential and mixed-use communities. This senior leadership role will be accountable for guiding projects from acquisition through municipal approvals, servicing, and hand-off to construction.

The Director will be instrumental in shaping Royal Premier Homes' growth strategy by aligning development projects with corporate objectives, navigating complex regulatory processes, and managing relationships with stakeholders, including municipalities, consultants, and community groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Drive the full lifecycle of development projects, establishing clear objectives, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Planning & Approvals: Lead rezoning, subdivision, site plan approvals, and municipal negotiations, ensuring compliance with provincial and municipal policies.
• Financial Oversight: Develop and monitor project pro formas, budgets, and schedules; provide accurate reporting and actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
• Stakeholder Relations: Maintain strong working relationships with municipal staff, consultants, landowners, and community partners. Represent the company in public consultations, council meetings, and industry forums.
• Legal & Agreements: Negotiate and prepare agreements with municipalities, landowner groups, and neighbouring stakeholders.
• Market Awareness: Monitor housing, rental, and demographic trends to identify opportunities and risks affecting current and future projects.
• Team Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing project team, fostering accountability, innovation, and continuous growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with construction, operations, and finance teams to ensure alignment between development strategy and business objectives.
• Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify project challenges and implement strategies to resolve issues without compromising quality, timelines, or financial performance.
• Close-Out & Transition: Oversee project close-out, including warranty release, municipal assumption, and hand-off to operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in land development, with a proven track record leading multi-family rental and mixed-use projects.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario's planning framework, including the Planning Act, Official Plans, zoning by-laws, and approval processes.
• Expertise in pro forma modeling, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to present confidently to councils, committees, and investors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, scheduling tools (MS Project or equivalent); familiarity with AutoCAD or GIS software is an asset.
• Leadership experience managing teams and consultants on complex, multi-phased developments.

Why Royal Premier Homes

Royal Premier Homes is a vertically integrated real estate company with a focus on delivering high-quality, purpose-built rental housing with hundreds of units built and over 2,000 planned for upcoming commencement. We combine innovation, design, and operational excellence to create communities that elevate the living experience.

As a fully integrated developer, we oversee every stage of the development lifecycle - from land acquisition and planning through to construction and operations - ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence in execution. Our entrepreneurial culture values collaboration, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full benefits plan supporting health, wellness, and work-life balance.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for leadership development, continuous learning, and career progression.
• Impactful Projects: Be at the forefront of creating high-quality, purpose-built rental communities that respond to market needs and set new industry standards.
• Collaborative Culture: Work within a dynamic, entrepreneurial team where innovation and results are celebrated.