Strategic Land Acquisition Manager - Sarasota, FL

About Lennar

Lennar is one of the nation's premier homebuilders, consistently ranked among the top performers in the industry and recognized as a Fortune 500® company. For decades, we've been at the forefront of residential construction, building not just homes but entire communities that stand the test of time. Our mission goes beyond constructing quality homes; we're dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences for homeowners, fostering vibrant communities, and providing exceptional customer service. In Sarasota, Florida, Lennar is expanding its footprint, capitalizing on the region's booming real estate market, beautiful coastal lifestyle, and growing population. By giving back to the communities we serve and nurturing a culture of opportunity, Lennar empowers associates to thrive while making a tangible impact on the American dream of homeownership.

At Lennar, innovation meets tradition. We leverage cutting-edge building techniques to deliver zero-defect homes on time and on budget, all while prioritizing sustainability and community enhancement. Whether it's developing master-planned neighborhoods or single-family residences, our Sarasota division is poised for explosive growth, and we're seeking a Strategic Land Acquisition Manager to lead the charge in securing prime land opportunities.

Executive Summary

This is your chance to join a powerhouse in homebuilding as a Strategic Land Acquisition Manager in Sarasota, Florida. Reporting to the VP of Land and Development, you'll play a pivotal role in sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring land parcels that align with Lennar's aggressive expansion strategies. With the Sarasota market heating up—driven by retirees, young professionals, and families flocking to its pristine beaches and vibrant economy—this position offers high visibility, substantial impact, and a platform for rapid career advancement. Expect a dynamic role blending fieldwork, negotiations, and strategic planning, with an estimated salary range of $95,000 - $140,000 annually (based on market data for similar roles in Florida's homebuilding sector). Full-time position with comprehensive benefits. If you have a knack for spotting undervalued land and turning it into profitable developments, Lennar is your launchpad.

Role & Mission

The Strategic Land Acquisition Manager is the frontline scout for Lennar's land portfolio in Sarasota. Your mission: Identify, pursue, and secure raw land, entitled lots, and development opportunities that fuel our pipeline of high-quality home communities. In a market where timing is everything, you'll navigate competitive bidding, rezoning hurdles, and intricate due diligence to deliver deals that exceed expectations. This role demands a blend of hunter's instinct, analyst's precision, and diplomat's finesse, ensuring every acquisition supports Lennar's 5-year growth plan and market dominance in Southwest Florida.

Detailed Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will be fast-paced and multifaceted, combining office strategy with on-the-ground action:

• Prospect and Identify Targets: Leverage tax maps, GIS tools, and an extensive network of brokers, landowners, developers, and industry insiders to pinpoint high-potential land acquisition opportunities in Sarasota and surrounding counties like Manatee and Charlotte.
• Drive Due Diligence: Lead the comprehensive due diligence process, coordinating environmental assessments, title searches, surveys, and feasibility studies. Schedule and manage all activities through Lennar's proprietary Greenbook process in close partnership with the VP of Land.
• Strategic Reporting and Meetings: Attend weekly land acquisition meetings, providing detailed updates to the Division President (DP) and VP of Land & Development on pipeline status, deal progress, and market intelligence.
• Rezoning and Entitlements: Support rezoning applications by preparing documentation, attending public hearings, and interfacing with city planners, county officials, engineers, attorneys, and homeowners' associations to secure necessary approvals.
• Documentation Mastery: Maintain meticulous inventory reports, critical dates calendars, contract summaries, and periodic market analyses. Ensure all Land Contract files, plats, maps, and supporting documents are organized and accessible in the Division office.
• Networking Pro: Build and nurture relationships with other builders, developers, brokers, and municipal leaders to stay ahead of market shifts and uncover off-market deals.
• Negotiation Leadership: Collaborate with division management, outside counsel, and regional attorneys to negotiate purchase and sale agreements (PSAs), term sheets, and contingencies, driving favorable terms for Lennar.
• Planning Integration: Work hand-in-hand with the VP of Land and VP of Finance to update and refine the 5-year strategic land acquisition plan on a monthly basis, incorporating new data and forecasts.
• Reporting Excellence: Update the weekly contract status report for division leadership, highlighting risks, milestones, and opportunities.

Expect 40-50% travel within the region for site visits, meetings, and networking events. This role thrives on autonomy, requiring you to juggle multiple deals while hitting aggressive acquisition targets.

Technical & Behavioral Qualifications

To succeed, you'll need:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Real Estate, or related field strongly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for financial modeling, Word for reports), project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project), data management software, and real estate platforms like CoStar or local MLS systems.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of land development, homebuilding cycles, sales/negotiating principles, real estate finance, zoning laws, and Florida-specific regulations.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills for presenting to executives, negotiating with sellers, and influencing stakeholders.
• Behavioral Traits: Self-starter with high initiative; detail-oriented problem-solver who excels in complex, ambiguous situations; resilient under pressure; team collaborator with a results-driven mindset.
• Logistics: Valid Florida driver's license, clean driving record, reliable vehicle, and valid auto insurance. Ability to lift 25 lbs. for office tasks; primarily sedentary with occasional site visits requiring bending/stooping.

Career Path & Growth at Lennar

Lennar invests in your future. Start as Land Acquisition Manager and advance to Director of Land Acquisition, VP of Land, or even Division President. Our associates enjoy structured mentorship, leadership training, cross-functional rotations, and tuition reimbursement. With Sarasota's market booming, top performers see promotions within 18-24 months. Join a company where 70% of leadership roles are filled internally.

The Impact You Will Make

You'll directly shape Sarasota's skyline, turning raw land into thriving communities for thousands of families. Your deals will generate millions in revenue, create jobs, and cement Lennar's market leadership—leaving a legacy of growth and innovation.

Company Benefits & Perks

Lennar offers best-in-class perks:

• Robust health plans: Medical, Dental, Vision with low deductibles.
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%.
• Paid Parental Leave, generous PTO, and holidays.
• Associate Assistance Program for wellness support.
• Performance bonuses, stock options, and relocation assistance if needed.
• Team-building events, volunteer days, and fitness reimbursements.

Workplace Culture

Expect a collaborative, high-energy environment where innovation is rewarded, and work-life balance is prioritized. Our Sarasota team embodies 'Empowerment through Purpose'—diverse, inclusive, and focused on mutual success.

How to Apply

Ready to build your legacy? Submit your resume and cover letter via Lennar's careers portal. Use #LI-DT1 in your application. We review applications weekly—apply today to secure your spot in Sarasota's hottest growth story. Lennar is an EEO employer.