Land Manager at Seriti

About the Role

• Seriti Green Asset Management is seeking an experienced Land Manager to lead its land acquisition and land tenure portfolio in support of the development, financing, construction, and long-term operation of renewable energy projects.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for securing land rights for wind, solar PV, battery energy storage systems, and associated infrastructure on commercially sound, legally compliant, and bankable terms.
• Based in Johannesburg with regular travel to project sites, this role provides leadership to the Land Acquisition team and works closely with Development, Legal, Finance, and Project Delivery functions. 

Key Responsibilities

Land Strategy and Portfolio Planning

• Develop and implement land acquisition strategies aligned with project development priorities.
• Identify and prioritise target areas for acquisition activities.
• Monitor land-related risks and ensure timely mitigation plans are in place.
• Maintain visibility of the land portfolio and acquisition pipeline. 

Land Acquisition and Tenure Management

• Lead the negotiation and securing of options, leases, servitudes, access agreements, and related land rights.
• Ensure land tenure arrangements are legally compliant, financeable, and suitable for project funding requirements.
• Oversee land due diligence processes, including ownership verification, title restrictions, land claims, occupier rights, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage consents, registrations, and lender requirements through to completion. 

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with landowners, communities, neighbours, and community leaders.
• Manage strategic and complex stakeholder engagements and negotiations.
• Oversee the resolution of land-related disputes and grievances.
• Protect and strengthen the organisation's social licence to operate.

Commercial Negotiation

• Lead high-value and sensitive negotiations.
• Establish negotiation strategies and mandates.
• Ensure agreements are concluded within budget, delegated authority, and project timelines.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to Land Acquisition Officers on complex negotiations.

Governance and Reporting

• Implement robust land acquisition processes, systems, controls, and reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain accurate land records, databases, agreements, critical dates, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements and internal controls.
• Monitor land payments, lease obligations, and contractual commitments.  

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with Development, Legal, Finance, and Project teams to support project delivery.
• Ensure land rights align with approved project layouts, access requirements, and grid connection routes.
• Contribute to project budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
• Facilitate seamless handover of land agreements and obligations into construction and operational phases.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Land Acquisition team.
• Set performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Drive capability development, succession planning, and continuous improvement within the function.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Property, Commerce, Law, Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in Property, Commercial Management, or Renewable Energy will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years' experience in land acquisition, property management, commercial negotiations, project development, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading teams or significant project workstreams.
• Strong understanding of South African land tenure systems and stakeholder environments.
• Renewable energy or Independent Power Producer (IPP) experience is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Land acquisition and tenure expertise
• Commercial and contractual negotiation skills
• Legal and commercial judgement
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Portfolio and project management
• Team leadership and coaching
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• High levels of integrity, resilience, and sound judgement

Employment Package Outline

Salary: Market related

Benefits may include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group Risk Insurance Cover
• Medical Aid
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Retirement Contribution
• Short-Term Incentive