What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Acquisition Manager position at Symphony Homes?
About Us
Symphony Development Corporation is the land development arm of Symphony Homes, which has been building dream homes in Utah for over 35 years. We focus on developing in the best locations along the Wasatch Front, with a strong emphasis on delivering an industry-leading customer experience. We've built a reputation in the market for both the quality and beauty of the communities we create, and we've won multiple awards for our design innovation. The Symphony team is critical to our success, and we strive to live the purpose and values that our founders have instilled in the company since 1988. Symphony believes in fostering an exceptional work environment where each employee is empowered to be their best.
Our Purpose: Symphony’s purpose is to enrich the lives of our customers and employees by building enduring homes and beautiful neighborhoods.
Core Values: Customer Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Discipline, Integrity, Attitude
The Role
Symphony Development Corporation is seeking an experienced Land Acquisition Manager to lead land acquisition efforts for the company. Reporting directly to the VP of Land, this individual will identify, evaluate, and secure land opportunities for future housing communities, build the financial pro formas that drive acquisition and investment decisions, and guide projects through entitlement. This is a high-impact role for someone who wants to shape where and how Symphony's communities are built, from first site walk through closing and into the entitlement process.
Primary Responsibilities
Land Acquisition
• Lead the identification and evaluation of land opportunities for new communities across the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, brokers, developers, and municipal officials to source off-market and listed opportunities
• Direct market research and site analysis to identify target growth areas
• Structure, negotiate, and submit offers on land and lot acquisitions
• Oversee due diligence on prospective acquisitions, including title, survey, environmental, and engineering feasibility
• Prepare and present acquisition recommendations and materials to ownership
Financial Analysis
• Build and maintain detailed financial pro formas and feasibility studies for prospective and active projects
• Model project returns, absorption assumptions, and development costs to support go/no-go decisions
• Track project budgets and financial performance from acquisition through entitlement
• Collaborate with the VP of Land and ownership on capital planning and investment strategy
Entitlement
• Manage the entitlement process for acquired properties, coordinating with engineers, land planners, and consultants on concept and site plans
• Coordinate and secure land use approvals from city, county, and other governmental agencies
• Represent the company at city council meetings, planning commission hearings, and public forums
• Prepare land use applications and supporting materials
• Communicate proactively with neighboring property owners and community stakeholders on proposed projects
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• 5 years of experience in land acquisition, land development, or real estate investment, including direct experience with entitlements and financial pro formas
• Proven ability to negotiate land and lot purchase agreements
• Strong financial modeling skills, including proficiency with pro forma and feasibility analysis
• Experience presenting to ownership, and public bodies such as city councils and planning commissions
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering and land planning documents
• Highly detail-oriented with strong task management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once
• Proficient in Microsoft Office/Excel; PowerPoint and other presentation tools a plus
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Symphony offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth within a well-established, employee-focused company
Time Requirements and Location
Full-time role based in Centerville or American Fork, Utah. Requires regular travel to job sites and city and county government buildings, with occasional evening work to attend city council and planning commission meetings.
Symphony Development Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, or any characteristic protected by law.