Consulting Director, Land Services
As part of our continued growth and innovation, ERM has an opportunity for an experienced leader to join our thriving global consulting firm as a key client-facing Consulting Director, Land Services.
The role can be based in any of ERM's offices in the West US States. You will play a key role in growing our business in North America, by supporting business development efforts focused on clients in the renewable energy, oil & gas pipeline, water / wastewater services, gas, and electric transmission & distribution industries. The ideal candidate will develop relationships with both new and existing clients that result in project work. This is an excellent opportunity for a career professional to join a growing and exciting service team, as you build a rewarding career path with a global environmental leader.
The Opportunity
As a senior leader, you will be accountable for business development and overseeing Land Services including, but not limited to, land rights renewals, fee acquisitions of land, title review / abstracting and easement acquisitions. With current climate change pressures, exasperated particularly in the western part of the US, utilities and other clients will be assessing the use and management of their real property and rights-of-way and developing strategies (e.g. considering habitat restoration, enhancement and mitigation as offset / compensation for their activities and projects). The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act will add pressure and funding for initiatives aimed at infrastructure replacement / upgrade which may result in a need for additional land or land rights. Solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy are planned which require land development analysis, acquisition and land use zoning support, among other things.
ERM's Impact Assessment service area in North America focuses on supporting development of projects in the energy sector. Our approach is to work with our clients to identify their environmental and social impacts and risks throughout the project lifecycle so that they can be managed from early in project concept inception through to closure implementation. Our goal is to get client projects planned, built and operating to schedule in a way which meets the expectations of investors, regulators and local communities.
Role Profile
Primary focus of the role is on capital project delivery and negotiating access and land deals in the Power and Energy sector, client account development, sales, and delivery of the full spectrum of consulting services to deliver strategic value to our clients.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with ERM Partners, our Client Account Directors and numerous Subject Matter Experts to actively develop commercial strategies to pursue and win new business opportunities that result in significant revenue growth with clients across North America.
- Provide business value, raising the profile of ERM's capabilities and selling strategically within client organizations.
- Develop new and expand existing client relationships by delivering strategic consulting advice, excellent value, and quality service.
- Maintain a pulse on industry business cycles and prioritize sales efforts toward high-potential, top opportunities.
- Manage business opportunities and use technical expertise to develop proposals, including written content, pricing, presentations, and contracting.
- Contribute to leadership and management of project execution activities in support of ERM clients.
- Lead consulting engagements in the areas of impact assessment, technical discipline-specific consulting and / or permitting and compliance.
- Build, grow and manage a high-performance team, serving as a leader and mentor to consultants. Identify emerging talent and work with them to reach their full potential; ensure rising stars are nurtured, developed and given new areas of responsibility.
- Support the growth and development of ERM's Land Services area and actively collaborate with colleagues across the globe. Drive innovation within the business to stay ahead of client needs and to differentiate ERM in the market.
- Work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment to build ERM's global business, as well as to lead client and technical teams.
- Meet business health & safety performance standards, financial targets, overall project budgets and schedules, client satisfaction / expectations, and internal risk management and contractual requirements.
Oversight Responsibilities
Develop relationships with existing and prospective clients to identify opportunities to support their projects and project teams.Negotiate and secure legal land agreements (rights-of-way, leases, grants, fee purchases, etc.) on behalf of our clients from affected landowners, whether they are private owners, corporations or government agencies, to permit the construction of facilities, transfer of assets, etc.Assist with performing, overseeing or reviewing deed and title research and investigations.Act as liaison between affected property owners and our clients.Assist in performing, overseeing or reviewing land valuation studies or their equivalent, but excluding appraisals.Support with preparing and submitting applications for various permits, licenses and bonds (road / railroad crossings, driveway permits, building permits, heavy hauling permits, etc.).Aid with investigating damage claims, damage assessments and settlement negotiations.Assist in supervising staff and third-party land agents or other subcontractors.Develop proposals, budgets, project plans, schedules, progress reports, scopes of work and other bid documents.Requirements
Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience10+ of relevant experienceExtensive experience working in the renewable energy and / or utility industryAbility to identify solutions to resolve conflictsNegotiation experience related, but not limited to, commercial and / or industrial propertyDemonstrated ability to communicate effectively, speak persuasively and develop rapport internally and externallyExperience preparing reports, letters, memos, standard forms and agreementsDeadline oriented and adaptable to diverse environments (i.e. construction work areas, inclement weather, etc.)Ability to travel up to 30%Preferred Qualifications :
Knowledge of the renewable energy and the gas and electric utility industriesFamiliarity with county courthouse record keeping methodsUnderstanding of varying state and local laws concerning ownership, laws of descent, storage rights, property rights and eminent domainFor the Consulting Director, Land Services position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $136,518 $189,000 (USD). An employee's pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. We also may have instances where employee's fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term / flex force employees are NOT bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability and AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP / DPSP, and any other benefits to eligible employees as applicable.