Land Engagement Manager in Milton Keynes

A little bit about us

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple: to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary

This role sits within the Land & Property Team, reporting to the Land and Property Manager for DCO. You'll coordinate engagement with landowners in line with EWR's Consultation and Engagement Strategies, providing a consistent level of customer care. Working closely with the EWR Land Team and Stakeholder Engagement teams, you'll help deliver engagement strategies that mitigate the project's impact on directly affected landowners, resolve objections to the DCO application, and secure the land and access required for the project. You'll work as part of a core multi-disciplinary team of stakeholder managers and property surveyors, helping to develop and implement a coordinated approach and framework to acquire land by agreement throughout the DCO process.

Function

The Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs function is accountable for defining what EWR Co is and the positive local and regional benefits it will deliver, setting scope and requirements. It is accountable for securing the approvals required to deliver the scheme, the Development Consent Order application, consultation and building a compelling business case. It holds design and delivery to account to ensure a successful DCO application and create an asset that realises economic benefits. Within this function, the Land and Property team acts as an intelligent and informed integrated team, using a network of third-party strategic suppliers to secure the land needed to construct and operate the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and roll out engagement strategies, plans and frameworks to deliver effective and respectful communication with landowners and their representatives.
• Oversee and coordinate landowner engagement across the client and partner land and property teams, providing technical advice and coordination of engagement with stakeholder engagement teams.
• Provide technical input and review of relevant land and property governance documents, including the Land Acquisition Plan and Landowner Engagement Plan.
• Develop communication materials and mechanisms, working with EWR engagement teams.
• Provide technical advice and support for landowner engagement activities such as project updates, consultation, safeguarding, the DCO application, land access and land assembly.
• Monitor and report on the delivery and outcomes of engagement, identifying issues or stakeholders where more targeted engagement activity is required.
• Support the identification, approval and tracking of potential DCO commitments related to land and property.
• Monitor potential landowner objections to the DCO application and manage the process of resolving or reducing risk, preparing for DCO examination.
• Escalate issues to Land and Property Managers and/or Stakeholder Engagement team leads, and monitor mitigation plans.
• Monitor correspondence management by suppliers through the land inbox and phoneline, ensuring quality standards and response times are met and that clear, comprehensive records of communications are maintained in EWR data systems.
• Take responsibility for your own and others' health and safety by adopting and working to EWR's Health and Safety principles.
• Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers' money at the forefront of decisions.
• Show commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• Act as a role model for EWR's vision and behaviours, working in ways aligned with EWR's Ways of Working, and encourage and support others to do so too.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• A background in developing and delivering engagement frameworks that secure project outcomes and minimise impact on affected landowners.
• Skilled in developing recommendations and securing internal and external buy-in and support for engagement frameworks.
• A track record of developing clear messages to communicate project work to impacted landowners.
• Confident maintaining effective external relationships to understand stakeholders' needs and priorities, with the influencing skills to achieve results at pace.
• Able to coordinate and upskill teams to deliver effective and respectful communication with landowners that supports land assembly.
• A background working on major projects, such as Development Consent Order (DCO) applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Transport and Works Act Orders or Hybrid Bills.
• Familiarity with the legal and equality and inclusion considerations relevant to a public body.
• A background in sensitive and complex work, and in supporting team members in this environment.
• Well-versed in project management, with problem-solving and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with CRM systems.
• Degree educated in an appropriate discipline, or equivalent experience, with membership of a relevant professional body such as APM, RICS or ACEP.

Benefits

• A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future.
• 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days.
• 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones.
• Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it.
• Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits.
• Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards.
• Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Diversity and Inclusion

At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple, to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences. If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we'd love to hear from you.