Sr. Land Acquisition Manager

RWE; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Education Assistance

Job summary

RWE is seeking a Senior Land Acquisition Manager to enhance land acquisition strategies for renewable energy projects. Responsibilities include conducting due diligence, negotiating land agreements, and leading a team. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and over ten years in land acquisition, particularly in renewables. This remote/hybrid position is based out of Chicago, IL, with occasional travel required. A strong compensation package including medical benefits and a salary range of $130,000 – $175,000 is offered.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in land acquisition, real estate, or land management, preferably in renewables.
• Thorough knowledge of land-use regulations and permitting processes.
• Motivated self-starter with strong business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Assist in land acquisition strategy aligned with renewable energy goals.
• Conduct due diligence on land acquisitions, including title searches.
• Lead negotiations for land acquisition and lease agreements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer relationship management

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, environmental science or related field

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Senior Land Acquisition Manager – RWE Americas, LLC

Functional area: Project Development.

Remuneration: Exempt.

Start: To start as soon as possible.

Location: Remote/Hybrid, based out of the Chicago office with occasional travel to RWEA offices and field locations.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support a comprehensive land acquisition strategy aligned with the organization’s renewable energy project goals.
• Develop best practices and execute a comprehensive strategy for title tasks.
• Manage the LRF process and team for title review and document preparation.
• Coordinate title curative efforts to ensure all documents are ready for development.
• Collaborate with legal teams to structure land agreements that meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential land acquisitions, including title searches, environmental assessments, and permitting requirements.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with land, development, legal teams, landowners, local communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Understand relevant aspects of renewable energy projects and educate consultants and other stakeholders as needed.
• Address concerns and provide information about project plans and benefits to the Central Region Team.
• Execute and follow the process for onboarding land agents and/or brokers, creating work orders, tracking purchase orders, and approving invoices.
• Track land title expenses associated with land agents and third‑party consultants.
• Assist development to identify suitable land parcels for renewable energy development through title support.
• Lead negotiations for land acquisition, lease agreements, and easements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
• Evaluate landowner’s willingness to participate in renewable energy projects.
• Travel, as required, to facilitate land acquisition efforts and foster positive relationships with landowners and other stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks related to land acquisition, land use, and project development.
• Develop contingency plans for unforeseen challenges related to land assets.
• Develop and manage budgets for land acquisition and management activities.
• Monitor expenses and optimize land assets for cost‑effective project development.
• Manage third‑party land acquisition resources to achieve land resource objectives through a combination of internal and external resources.
• Lead and mentor a team of land acquisition professionals, providing guidance and support in their roles.
• Foster a collaborative and high‑performance work environment within the Land team and with Development.
• Maintain accurate records of land agreements, permits, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on land acquisition progress and issues.
• Perform additional job‑related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, environmental science or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Ten or more years of experience in land acquisition, real estate, land management, or a combination thereof, with a strong background in renewables (solar, wind and battery storage) preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of land‑use regulations, permitting processes and real estate law.
• Exceptional negotiation and contract‑management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen for budgeting and cost optimization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and related land management software.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage customer relationships.
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space.
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams.
• Strong leadership and communication, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables.
• Ability to multi‑task, while working independently and as part of a team.
• Motivated self‑starter, goal‑oriented, and strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds.
• Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable.
• Is detail‑oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts.
• This position is a remote/hybrid role, based out of the Chicago office.
• Some travel and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations.
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $130,000 – $175,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S. locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short‑term incentives, in addition to salary.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.