Land Manager

Equitix EMS

Position Title: Land Manager

Location: Manchester City Centre

Reports To: ?

Start Date: 2025

The Project

Equitix EMS plays a supporting role to the Cascade Infrastructure Ltd. consortium, formed by Equitix and Strabag joint venture partners, appointed by United Utilities (UU) for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP). This multi-billion-pound infrastructure project ensures long-term water supply resilience for Greater Manchester through the construction of approximately 50 km of bored tunnels along the existing 110 km aqueduct, originally built in the 1950s. Post-construction, United Utilities will operate the aqueduct, with the project company responsible for major maintenance of the new tunnel sections for 25 years.

Position Summary

The Land Manager, within Equitix EMS, will develop and manage the land strategy to support land access and compliance for the HARP project. This manager-level role focuses on administering land-related processes, managing budgets, and ensuring contractual compliance. The Land Manager will collaborate with the Cascade consortium, contractors, and the client’s land team to achieve land-related KPIs, fostering trust and collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and contribute to the project’s legacy.

Key Responsibilities

Land Strategy & Coordination

• Develop and implement the business land strategy, aligning with Equitix EMS, Cascade consortium, and United Utilities’ objectives for project delivery and compliance.


• Administer the Works Authorisation and Access Procedure under the Construction Works Agreement.


• Coordinate the activities of the business land agent and property lawyer to ensure seamless execution.


• Manage the exercising of land options in accordance with the Accepted Programme.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Interface with the client’s land team to align efforts and support project goals.


• Monitor compliance with land agreements and ensure achievement of land-related KPIs in the contract.


• Prepare and manage the Land Compensation Budget, providing reports for the Equitix EMS Board and stakeholders.


• Build transparent relationships with stakeholders involved in land matters to foster trust and collaboration.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

• Ensure business and contractor compliance with land-related contract requirements.


• Identify and mitigate risks related to land access and strategy, collaborating with delivery teams on people- and system-based solutions.


• Monitor and evaluate land initiatives to ensure compliance with project obligations and industry standards.


• Support the Business Excellence Director in integrating land management into broader assurance processes, including health, safety, and environmental goals.

Technology & Innovation

• Utilize digital tools for real-time monitoring and reporting of land-related outcomes, such as access tracking and budget analytics.


• Leverage data analytics to track progress, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement in land management.


• Stay informed on emerging trends in land management, property law, and digital tools within infrastructure projects.

Culture & Legacy

• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and ethical land practices within Equitix EMS and across project teams.


• Mentor teams to integrate land management into daily operations, promoting a coaching culture.


• Contribute to a lasting project legacy by delivering sustainable land access solutions for Manchester communities and beyond.

Qualifications

• Degree in Land Management, Property Law, Estate Management, or a related field.


• Professional certifications such as MRICS are desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in land management or property management, preferably in construction, infrastructure, or utilities.


• Proven experience in developing land strategies, negotiating land options, and ensuring compliance with land agreements.


• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, coordinate with agents and lawyers, and achieve land-related KPIs.

Personal Competencies & Skills

• Passionate about effective land management and stakeholder collaboration.


• Strong analytical skills, with a data-driven approach to tracking and improving land outcomes.


• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders.


• High ethical standards and a commitment to compliance and sustainability.


• Proactive in identifying and resolving risks to land delivery.


• Collaborative, empathetic, and able to foster a coaching culture that empowers teams.


• Committed to sustainability and leaving a positive, lasting legacy through responsible land practices.

ESG & Sustainability Considerations

The HARP project has significant sustainability and social value expectations from United Utilities, its customers, local communities, and funders. The Land Manager will:

• Actively manage land-related KPIs aligned with decarbonisation, biodiversity, and community engagement.


• Ensure data-driven reporting to track progress and meet stakeholder expectations on sustainable land use.


• Integrate land management into the project’s broader ESG strategy, contributing to a sustainable legacy through responsible access and compensation practices.