Job Title: Head of Land Acquisition
Location: Sydney, Australia
About Us:
My client is one of Australia's leading energy retailers, committed to powering the nation's future with innovative, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions. As a market leader in the transition to clean energy, they are expanding our portfolio of large-scale renewable projects, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and gas turbine power plants. We are seeking a Head of Land Acquisition to lead our efforts in securing land for these critical projects.
Role Overview:
The Head of Land Acquisition will be responsible for leading the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of land to support large-scale energy infrastructure projects. This role is critical in ensuring that the company has access to suitable sites for renewable energy and power plant projects, and other energy solutions. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams, including project development, legal, regulatory, and environmental departments, to secure land in alignment with project timelines and goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Land Acquisition Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for land acquisition that supports the company's growth in renewable energy projects, including BESS, gas turbines, and other energy infrastructure.
- Site Identification and Evaluation: Lead efforts to identify and evaluate potential land sites for large-scale projects, assessing their suitability based on zoning, access to grid infrastructure, environmental impact, and other key project requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders to facilitate land acquisition processes and secure necessary land rights.
- Negotiation and Deal Structuring: Negotiate land purchase, lease, or easement agreements, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with regulatory requirements. Collaborate with legal and commercial teams to structure deals that align with company objectives.
- Due Diligence: Oversee all aspects of land acquisition due diligence, including title searches, environmental assessments, land surveys, and planning permissions.
- Project Coordination: Work closely with project development, environmental, and engineering teams to ensure land is secured in alignment with project schedules and requirements.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with land acquisition, including environmental, legal, and political challenges.
- Market Research: Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and land availability in key regions, providing insights to guide land acquisition strategies.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant land use, environmental, and regulatory laws and policies in the land acquisition process.
- Technical Expertise: Skilled in the technical aspects of renewable energy projects
Key Qualifications & Experience:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Property, Planning, Engineering, Environmental Science). Postgraduate qualifications or industry certifications (e.g., Certified Property Professional) would be an advantage.
- Experience: At least 10 years of experience in land acquisition, real estate development, or project management, ideally within the energy, infrastructure, or utilities sector.
- Expertise: Extensive knowledge of land acquisition processes, project development timelines, environmental and zoning regulations, and the renewable energy landscape in Australia.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven track record in negotiating complex land deals, with a strong ability to navigate legal, financial, and stakeholder considerations.
- Project Management: Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering results within tight timelines.
- Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels, including landowners, government agencies, community groups, and senior leadership.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
Desired Attributes:
- Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and gas turbines.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while managing detailed aspects of land acquisition.
- Problem-solver with a proactive, results-driven mindset.
- A passion for the energy sector and the transition to sustainable, clean energy solutions.
If you have the relevant skillsets, please do not hesitate to apply :)!
