Land Manager / Referencer

Location: South West (Hybrid Working)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

Overview

Roc Search are hiring for a Land Referencer to join our clients UK Development team based in Gloucester. This is a critical role supporting the delivery of large scale renewable energy projects, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
Working closely with the Land, Planning and Development teams, you will lead and coordinate all land referencing activities across a portfolio of utility scale Solar PV and BESS projects ensuring projects progress efficiently through the DCO process and meet statutory requirements.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Lead all land referencing activities on utility-scale renewable energy projects progressing through the DCO process.
• Prepare, review and manage the production of Books of Reference and Schedule of Interests.
• Coordinate the identification and verification of all parties with legal interests in land affected by proposed developments.
• Manage the preparation and review of Land Plans, Order Plans and Temporary Possession Plans.
• Oversee the service of statutory notices, including Sections 42, 44 and 56 notices.
• Work closely with external land referencing consultants, solicitors and DCO advisors to ensure compliance with Planning Inspectorate requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of DCO applications and associated land documentation.
• Assist with compulsory acquisition strategy and temporary possession requirements.
• Maintain accurate land records and manage updates as projects evolve throughout Examination.
• Support responses to Examining Authority questions relating to land interests.
• Collaborate with internal Land, Planning, Grid and Development teams to identify and mitigate project risks.
• Provide advice and guidance on DCO land processes and best practice across the wider business.

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience undertaking land referencing activities on large scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Experience working on projects progressing through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
• Proven experience preparing and/or reviewing Books of Reference.
• Strong understanding of statutory consultation requirements and the service of notices.
• Knowledge of compulsory acquisition and temporary possession processes.
• Experience interpreting title documentation, Reports on Title and Land Registry information.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with landowners, solicitors, consultants and internal teams.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within Solar PV and/or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developments.
• Experience supporting projects through DCO Examination.
• Membership of RICS, IRRV or a related professional body.
• Knowledge of GIS and land referencing systems.
• Consultancy and developer-side experience.