This is an exciting opportunity based in our Belfast office to become part of our multi-disciplinary service line within the WSP Land Team in the delivery of land referencing, land acquisition, land access, formal consents, statutory orders and compensation agreements and landowner management. We are the largest Land Referencing business in the UK and Ireland, delivering high profile projects such as the A5WTC, North South Interconnector, A9 Dualling and HS2.
Our clients develop major highway, rail, energy and renewable infrastructure and projects all of which impact privately owned land. You will work as part of a team of Land Consultants assisting in the liaison with landowners that may be affected by development, obtaining the appropriate consent, gaining access and where necessary compensating them for the impact caused by the scheme.
As a Senior Agricultural Liaison Officer, you will work with a team of technical specialists to ensure successful delivery of projects, advise and build strong relationships with landowners and stakeholders and to promote our services and secure new opportunities with clients. You will work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to deliver the necessary information required to identify, notify, engage, gain access to land and (where required) subsequently compensate landowners for any impact caused by scheme development.
As such, the ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in acquiring land rights for infrastructure development projects at all scales and providing land advice to clients to help de-risk the land elements of their projects. You should also be able to demonstrate significant experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams across a range of infrastructure development sectors. The successful candidate would be expected to work on a diverse range of projects, with a particular focus on clients in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
This role would suit an experienced Agricultural Liaison Officer with excellent landowner engagement skills who has proven track record of working within the energy and/or transport infrastructure development sectors.
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- Provide expertise and support on agricultural and land management to facilitate access, way leaving and possession of land
- Advise on agricultural tenancies
- Secure land rights for high profile, strategic infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland
- Utilising statutory powers and other available mechanisms to acquire land (Vesting Order, CPO) on behalf of WSP clients within the electricity sector, but also highway, rail, water, telecoms, gas and renewable energy sectors
- Negotiate commercial terms, option agreements and other land related agreements
- Work closely with the Land team and collaborate with engineering, environmental, and planning teams
- Organise and attend site visit meetings with landowners, their agents, legal teams and other stakeholders and provide meeting records for upload to a landowner and stakeholder communications database
- Regular communication with landowners and their agents to manage and build positive working relationships for the successful delivery of projects
- Liaise with landowners, land agents, legal representatives, planning authorities, key stakeholders, contractors and clients
- Attend weekly/monthly project meetings and provide updates to project stakeholders
- Report progress to clients regularly ensuring client satisfaction and expectations are met
- Prepare and check consenting documentation
- Advise clients on compliance with statutory and industry best practice
- Support the sharing of knowledge and lessons across regions and projects
- Lead on quality assurance of deliverables and drive and promote innovation within team to improve working practices
- Lead on and contribute to business development and client relationship management
- Expertise in rural environment, property, communities and agricultural working practices
- Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams across a range of sectors and locations across the UK and Ireland
- Experience of negotiating commercial terms with landowners and knowledge of the legal process for the acquisition of wayleaves and easement
- Demonstrable experience of reducing land risk for clients and advising them on land related matters throughout all stages of a project lifecycles.
- Proven track record of the development of Orders and/or acquisition of consents and interests in land, and knowledge of relevant legislation
- Ability to communicate effectively with strong influencing and negotiating skills
- Motivated and able to work in a team and on own initiative, being able to work under pressure and deliver high quality outputs
- Strong landowner and public engagement skills
- Good business and IT skills
- Excellent adherence to quality assurance and good document management skills
- A degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Land and Estate Management or similar
- Chartership or membership or a Professional body would be advantageous.
- A full UK/ROI driving licence is required.
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Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.
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