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- Tasks: Lead strategy on complex land and property disputes for HS2's major infrastructure programme.
- Company: Join High Speed Two Ltd, a key player in UK infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12% pension, hybrid working, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression to Head of Acquisitions with long-term programme security.
- Why this job: Shape dispute resolution strategies and influence senior stakeholders in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Chartered Surveyor with strong compulsory purchase and negotiation skills.
High Speed Two Ltd is seeking a Disputes Manager to join the Land & Property team, reporting directly to the Head of Acquisitions, taking a leading role in managing complex tribunal strategy, contentious land acquisitions, and high-value compensation disputes across Europe’s largest infrastructure programme.
This is not a traditional estates management role. You will operate at the centre of some of the UK’s most sensitive and complex compulsory purchase matters, influencing dispute resolution strategy, advising senior stakeholders, and helping prevent cases escalating to Tribunal wherever possible. The role combines strategic negotiation, compulsory purchase expertise, stakeholder influence, and dispute leadership across a large and politically sensitive infrastructure environment.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Client-side leadership role on one of the UK’s largest infrastructure programmes
- High autonomy with real influence over dispute and tribunal strategy
- Opportunity to shape approaches to complex compulsory purchase matters
- Work directly with senior HS2 leadership, DfT, legal teams, and external Counsel
- Lead strategy across blight, compensation, material detriment, and CPO disputes
- Significant stakeholder engagement across public and private sector organisations
- Long-term programme security with major phases still ahead
- Opportunity to become a recognised expert within infrastructure land acquisition and disputes
The Role
You will take ownership of HS2’s disputes portfolio across active and potential Tribunal cases, helping drive early resolution strategies while supporting the management of contentious compulsory purchase matters. A major focus of the role is preventing disputes escalating unnecessarily, guiding acquisition teams and suppliers toward commercially sensible negotiated outcomes wherever possible. You’ll work closely with legal teams, surveyors, case managers, external Counsel, and strategic suppliers to assess risk, shape negotiation strategy, and advise on the most appropriate route for each case. This is a highly strategic position requiring sound judgement, strong negotiation capability, and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders across HS2 and the Department for Transport.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategy across Tribunal and contentious acquisition cases
- Advise on compulsory purchase, compensation, blight, and material detriment matters
- Develop dispute resolution and settlement strategies
- Work with Legal and Counsel teams to manage live Tribunal cases
- Undertake risk and cost assessments across dispute portfolios
- Influence acquisition teams to proactively resolve disputes before Tribunal
- Coordinate external surveyors, legal advisors, experts, and suppliers
- Deliver Sealed Offers and Calderbank Offers where appropriate
- Support policy development and ADR improvements across the programme
- Provide strategic reporting to senior HS2 leadership and DfT stakeholders
What They’re Looking For
Essential
- Chartered Surveyor (MRICS or equivalent)
- Strong compulsory purchase and land acquisition expertise
- Experience negotiating contentious property matters and compensation claims
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage politically sensitive issues
- Strong commercial judgement and dispute resolution capability
- Experience within complex infrastructure, transport, utilities, regeneration, or major projects
- Experience managing suppliers, advisors, and external stakeholders
Highly Desirable
- Tribunal or Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) experience
- Infrastructure land assembly or major programme acquisition experience
- Background within acquiring authorities, private practice, VOA, transport, utilities, or regeneration
- Experience preparing or supporting expert evidence, Select Committees, DCO or TWAO processes
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely influential role where your expertise will directly shape how HS2 manages some of the UK’s most complex compulsory purchase and land disputes. Whether you are an experienced infrastructure surveyor looking for a strategic client-side role, or a senior professional wanting to bring decades of compulsory purchase expertise into a nationally significant programme, this position offers exceptional visibility, autonomy, and long-term impact.
Disputes Manager in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charlton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Disputes Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HS2 and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills in dispute resolution and stakeholder management can directly benefit their team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly! If you see a role that interests you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of strategic negotiation, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in high-stakes discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Disputes Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in compulsory purchase and land acquisition. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Disputes Manager role.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves a lot of strategic negotiation, be sure to include examples of past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or resolved disputes. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your compulsory purchase and land acquisition expertise. Familiarise yourself with recent tribunal cases and HS2's approach to dispute resolution. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully influenced outcomes. Highlight your ability to manage politically sensitive issues and how you've guided teams towards commercially sensible resolutions. This is key for a Disputes Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with senior stakeholders at HS2 and the Department for Transport. Be ready to discuss strategies for influencing them and preventing disputes from escalating. Demonstrating your stakeholder management skills will be crucial.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about HS2’s current challenges in land and property disputes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their long-term programme security and strategic goals.