Land & Development Manager
Department: Development
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London (UK)
Description
The Land & Development Manager will contribute to the growth of our development business in the UK by leading and managing the delivery of land assembly and other property related agreements from initial site identification through to financial close, amongst other responsibilities.
Expertise in Land Acquisition (Heads of Terms, Option Agreements, Leases & Easements/Servitudes) for renewable energy projects is required as this position will help originate and manage new projects within our growing pipeline of Onshore Wind/Solar/Bess projects in the UK.
The Land & Development Manager can work from London, Manchester or Glasgow on a Hybrid basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the delivery of land assembly and other property related agreements from initial site identification through to financial close.
- Negotiate and secure Heads of Terms, Option and Lease agreements and other third-party property rights with landowners required for the successful delivery of new onshore wind, solar PV and battery storage projects.
- Identify and approach landowners to agree rent and other commercial terms.
- Instruct and manage land agents, consultants and external solicitors in relation to securing land agreements.
- Oversee and manage the drafting and completion of land agreements.
- Review land titles to ascertain property ownership and other rights and restrictions.
- Maintain budgets and development expenditure in respect of land assembly activities and provide progress reports, when required.
- Provide support in the identification, feasibility, evaluation and development of new onshore wind, solar PV, battery storage and other renewables technologies through to financial close.
- Manage and develop a diverse range of external and internal stakeholder relationships, including landowners, tenants, land agents, legal advisors, local planning authorities and statutory consultees.
- Assist with land and property transactions in relation to joint venture partnerships, acquisition, sale and any associated due diligence.
- Create and maintain a land terrier register to ensure rent and other payments are paid on time.
- Provide advice and support on valuation and other project and property management matters including site finding and land assembly strategy.
- Manage existing landlord and tenant relationships.
- Represent the Company at community engagement, stakeholder consultations and other meetings and events.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Skills/Knowledge
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the land and commercial parameters of renewable energy development and operation.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Have the ability to collaborate and work cross functionally.
- Have vision and be innovative.
- Be a team player.
- Be commercially astute with an attention to detail and understanding of risk.
- Excellent business development ability, with keen awareness of potential opportunities.
- Educated to Degree level (ideally rural surveying, estate management or a relevant land/property related discipline (MRICS/AssocRICS and/or MRTPI accredited)).
Expertise
- Experience in managing, negotiating and securing land and other property related agreements for commercial scale renewable energy projects (wind, solar and battery storage).
- Experience working with landowners, and their agents’ and solicitors’.
- Proficient in land and real estate transactions and any associated legal documentation provisions and procedures.
- Experience of consultation with both internal and external stakeholders and in developing strong working relationships with key actors.
Additional Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Ability to use ArcGIS and/or other mapping software would be desirable.
- Ability to travel to undertake site visits and meet landowners.