Associate - Land Development

Overview

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

Responsibilities

Hines is seeking a high-performing Associate to be part of our Houston Land Development team. This individual will play a foundational role in identifying, underwriting, entitling, and executing horizontal land development projects.

This is a rare opportunity to leverage Hines’ national land platform, capital resources, and data-driven approach while applying a highly local, entrepreneurial mindset. The successful candidate will bring a blend of strategic market intelligence, builder connectivity, and hands-on execution experience to deliver successful communities and shape Hines’ growth in the market

• Source and underwrite new residential land development and acquisition opportunities across the Houston market.

• Assist active projects from feasibility and entitlement through design, financing, and horizontal delivery.

• Prepare and manage detailed financial models, including sensitivity analysis, return metrics, and scenario planning.

• Conduct and apply market research — including builder sales data, permit trends, and demographic analysis — to guide investment strategy.

• Understand and help manage project cash flows, working closely with leadership to ensure funding is aligned with budget and schedule needs. Timely cash availability is essential to meeting obligations and avoiding delays.

• Understand and collaborate with Construction teammates on project budgets, development schedules, and managing third-party contractors.

• Manage builder relationships and assist with the negotiation and administration of lot sale contracts.

• Evaluate sites for entitlement feasibility, infrastructure scalability, and regulatory or environmental constraints.

• Coordinate with city staff, legal advisors, HOAs, and public financing consultants to secure approvals, permits, and potential reimbursement structures (e.g., MUDs, PIDs, Metro Districts).

• Interface with investors and lenders, including the preparation of reporting packages, draw requests, and compliance materials.

• Represent Hines in the local market as a credible and connected land developer, actively building relationships with homebuilders, landowners, brokers, and city officials.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in real estate, finance, civil engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Houston development market experience – required.
• Five or more years of experience in residential land development, land acquisition, homebuilding, or land brokerage – preferred.
• Proven track record managing all phases of land development, from sourcing and entitlements to horizontal delivery and lot sales – preferred.
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills; Excel proficiency required.
• Strong project management capabilities with experience leading diverse stakeholder groups.
• Bring analytical rigor to modeling by understanding the “why” behind the numbers – including development drivers, regulatory considerations, and market trends – to help guide smart, strategic decision-making.
• Highly effective communicator and relationship-builder across builders, consultants, city staff, and internal teams.
• Independent, entrepreneurial, and motivated by building.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and operate with limited oversight. Must show curiosity, self-direction, and a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of entitlement pathways and public reimbursement mechanisms.
• Comfortable working in a lean, high-accountability team environment. Willing to roll up sleeves across all aspects of the development process. Flexible, humble, and genuinely excited to learn the full development spectrum.
• Work approximately 75% of the time indoors and outdoors 25% of the time.
• Occasional physical inspection of sales and construction sites.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs if required.
• Regional travel within Houston and surrounding areas.

Closing

At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion¹ of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics and life science projects – all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs.

While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines' success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive.

Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. ¹Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of December 31, 2023.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.

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