Manager, Land & Approvals

Job description

Role Overview: We are seeking a proactive, field-oriented land professional to manage end-to-end land acquisition, leasing, and site development activities for Wind, Solar, and BESS projects. The role involves extensive coordination with land aggregators, landowners, village communities, developers, government authorities, and internal project teams to ensure timely land availability, clear right-of-way (ROW), and statutory compliance from project concept through commissioning and operations. The position is site-based and requires frequent travel, multi-state assignments, and the ability to stay at rural project locations as per project requirements. Key Responsibilities: Land Acquisition & Leasing Coordinate with developers and aggregators for private land purchase and land leasing for wind, solar, and BESS projects. Negotiate and finalize land lease, sale, and wind mast leasing agreements with landowners. Conduct land surveys, site visits, and location verification, including infrastructure and access assessment. Perform comprehensive land due diligence, including title verification and encumbrance checks. Ensure timely arrangement of all land-related approvals directly or through aggregators. ROW / RoU & Infrastructure Support Handle and resolve Right of Way (ROW) / Right of Use (RoU) issues for access roads, transmission lines, pooling substations, and other project infrastructure. Liaise with local administration, village communities, and other stakeholders to resolve ROW issues during project execution and operations. Support project teams in resolution of all land and ROW challenges at site and regional levels. Government & Stakeholder Liaison Liaise with Revenue Department and other government authorities for land conversion, mutation, registrations, and statutory clearances. Maintain strong relationships with village-level stakeholders, local bodies, and district administration to facilitate smooth project execution. Coordinate with external legal counsel on TSR (Title Search Reports) and other land-related legal matters. Project Execution & Operations Support Manage land-related activities from concept to commissioning for new projects. Resolve land-related issues for operational and existing assets across the company. Support OMS (Operations & Maintenance Services) teams by ensuring proper land handover and resolution of any post-commissioning land issues. Ensure timely release of lease rentals until land is formally handed over to OMS. Documentation, Legal & Compliance Maintain accurate land records, documentation, and land data repositories. Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance for all land transactions. Handle land-related legal matters for current and past projects, including disputes and compliance follow-ups. Mobility & Site Presence Work across multiple states as required for existing and upcoming project sites. Willingness to travel extensively and stay at rural project locations. Position is site-focused; readiness to stay at site locations is mandatory. Prerequisites: Graduate degree in any discipline. Minimum 8 years of experience in the renewable energy sector. At least 3 years of hands-on experience in land acquisition, leasing, ROW, or similar land-related roles. Prior experience working in Gujrat is mandatory. Fluency in local language is required; additional regional language proficiency is an advantage. Experience working across multiple Indian states is an added qualification. Strong negotiation, liaison, and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to work independently in field-based, high-accountability roles. Sound understanding of land laws, revenue processes, and renewable project requirements. Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills. High level of ownership, adaptability, and willingness to work in demanding site environments. Are you ready to engineer a greener future?