Position - Land Acquisition Lead
This position requires extensive experience in land acquisition within the RE states, a deep understanding of local land laws, and the ability to navigate complex negotiations with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will lead the land acquisition process for wind & solar projects, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, State specific regulations and supporting the overall success of renewable energy projects
Job Responsibilities: -
- Negotiation and Deal Management
- End to end responsibility to secure the identified land
- Lead in providing competitive assumptions on process, timelines, land securing options and cost to the BD&C and PD team for pipeline building.
- Land aggregator evaluation support before finalization of land contracts
- Lead negotiations with landowners, government authorities, and other stakeholders to secure land on favorable terms and within the estimated time
- Ensure all land acquisition deals meet the company's legal, financial, and operational standards.
- Collaborate with land aggregators and other external stakeholders to expedite the acquisition process.
- Lead the internal team and the aggregator's team to deliver on time & cost.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all local state regulations related to land acquisition, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) guidelines.
- Conduct due diligence in collaboration with legal teams, ensuring all acquisitions are legally sound and risk-free.
- Oversee the preparation and review of legal documents, including MoUs, LoIs, agreements for sale, conveyance deeds, pathway agreements, Power of Attorney, lease deeds, and other relevant documents.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, government officials, local communities, and other stakeholders.
- Address and resolve concerns from internal & external stakeholders regarding land acquisition activities, ensuring smooth operations
- Provide insights to internal Business team and the management on the competition.
- Project Management
- Manage the entire land acquisition process from site identification to deal closure, ensuring timely execution.
- Coordinate & collaborate with internal teams such as legal, finance, BD&C and project development to ensure a seamless acquisition process.
- Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain detailed records of all land acquisition activities, including site evaluations and compliance documents.
- Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on the progress and status of land acquisition projects.
- Support the team in preparing board approval proposals and seeking Investment/Biding Approval process
- Effective interpersonal skills for communicating with the management and target, making presentations
Desired Experience and Skills/Competencies:
- 15-20 years of Infrastructure experience with at least 5 years in solar/RE industry with land acquisition roles
- Extensive experience in private, revenue and forestland acquisition on a lease& purchase basis in Gujarat and other RE states including knowledge of State Government and MoEF processes.
- Strong understanding of state land laws, property laws, and local regulations, including those related to the conversion of agricultural land, mutation, amalgamation, and registration.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively with landowners, government officials, and other stakeholders.
- Experience in coordinating with internal teams and managing Right of Way (ROW) issues and pathway management.
- Ability to handle internal audits and implement action plans to address audit observations.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee the entire land acquisition process.
Other Responsibilities:
- Adhere to the company's Land Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ensure full compliance with land acquisition processes.
- Coordinate with legal counsel in handling court cases and other disputes related to land.
