Manager Land & Right of Way

Position Description

Lead and oversee all aspects of land acquisition, easement and permit management, landowner and agency relations, damage negotiations, litigation support, and regulatory compliance. Provide strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure successful execution of land-related activities supporting Commercial, Business Development, and Engineering & Construction teams.

Essential duties and responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and direct supervision to Real Estate and Right-of-Way staff, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Serve as the primary company representative in complex negotiations and interactions with landowners, tenants, governmental agencies, land and mineral developers, and utility companies.
• Develop and implement strategies for acquisition of real estate interests, easement rights amendments, releases, zoning issues, damage evaluations, and settlements.
• Lead the preparation, review, and management of land-related contracts and documentation, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Regulatory, and Project Management teams to support litigation, condemnation, quiet title actions, and compliance initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the land management function to enhance efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Champion a culture of safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance across all land operations.
• Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and timelines to meet or exceed business objectives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism, tact, and transparency.
• Lead special projects and initiatives assigned by senior leadership.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as land management, energy management, geography, business, public administration, engineering, law, etc. is preferred or 7 years of equivalent experience.

 Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of ten (7) years of experience with right-of-way and land acquisition within the energy sector.
• A minimum of ten (7) years of demonstrated leadership and people management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of real property law, business law, title examination, pipeline construction, and land use practices.
• Knowledge of engineering terminology, drawings, and maps.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulations governing land acquisition and management.
• Proven success managing complex project budgets and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to drive positive changes with continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with land-related software and MS Office suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to lead, influence, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including contractors and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks under tight deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead integrated project teams and manage property-related issues to minimize impacts on budget, schedule, and asset operability.
• Commitment to uphold the highest standards of safety, ethics, and regulatory