Land Use Planning Manager

Land Use Planning Manager – EV Charging Infrastructure

Position Summary:

The Land Use Planning Manager will lead and oversee a team of associates and consultants responsible for the development, entitlement, and permitting of large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities. This role requires both technical knowledge of planning and permitting processes as well as strong leadership skills to guide staff, coordinate with internal stakeholders, and manage external relationships. The Manager will be responsible for ensuring timely and successful delivery of land use approvals, entitlements, and permits that align with corporate growth goals and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities::

• Team Leadership & Oversight
• Supervise and mentor Land Use Planning Associates and support staff.
• Organize workload distribution, set priorities, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Provide training and guidance on zoning, entitlement, and permitting best practices.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support professional development.

Project & Program Management:

• Oversee multiple entitlement and permitting projects simultaneously, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Establish project schedules, workflows, and reporting structures for land use planning activities.
• Review and approve entitlement applications, technical reports, and permit submissions prepared by staff.
• Serve as escalation point for complex entitlement and permitting issues.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, planning commissions, and utility providers.
• Represent the company at public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and negotiations with permitting authorities.
• Ensure compliance with all zoning, land use, and environmental requirements (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, state/local codes).
• Monitor policy changes affecting EV infrastructure and communicate impacts to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with development, engineering, legal, and construction teams to align entitlement milestones with project delivery.
• Provide strategic planning input to site selection and project pipeline development.
• Coordinate consultant teams (environmental, traffic, legal, architectural/engineering) to support entitlement activities.

Reporting & Accountability:

• Track and report entitlement and permitting progress across all active projects.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and reports for executive leadership.
• Ensure accurate project documentation and records management.

Qualifications / Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–7 years of professional experience in land use planning, entitlement, permitting, or related development activities.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience leading planning or entitlement teams.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure, energy, or commercial development projects preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of zoning, land use, entitlement, and environmental review processes.
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills, with ability to motivate and mentor teams.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills for public hearings and executive reporting.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with GIS, project management software, and Microsoft Office Suite; CAD or legal/land records software a plus.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel to project sites, public hearings, and agency meetings (up to 25%).
• Ability to conduct on-site evaluations of project conditions.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
• Leadership development and advancement opportunities in a fast-growing industry.

SAI is an equal opportunity employer.