Head - Land Acquisition - LLB (10-15 yrs)

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic professional to lead our Land Management function. The Head of Land Management will be responsible for overseeing all land acquisition, due diligence, regulatory compliance, documentation, and dispute resolution activities. This role requires strong leadership, deep knowledge of land laws in Maharashtra, and excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Land Acquisition & Aggregation:

- Identify and evaluate potential land parcels for acquisition, considering factors such as location, size, zoning regulations, accessibility, and development potential.

- Develop and implement strategic land acquisition plans to meet the company's growth objectives and project requirements.

- Lead negotiations with landowners, developers, intermediaries, and government agencies to secure land rights through purchase, lease, or other legal agreements.

- Ensure fair and legal acquisition practices in line with company policies, ethical standards, and local regulations, particularly the land laws of Maharashtra.

- Manage the process of land aggregation, consolidating smaller parcels into larger tracts suitable for development.

- Conduct market research and analysis to identify land acquisition opportunities and assess property values.

Due Diligence & Legal Compliance:

- Coordinate with legal teams and external counsel to conduct thorough due diligence, including title searches, ownership verification, and encumbrance checks.

- Ensure that all land parcels are free from legal encumbrances, disputes, and liabilities before acquisition.

- Oversee the preparation, review, and execution of all land-related documentation, including purchase agreements, sale deeds, lease agreements, and other legal documents.

- Manage the process of land registration, mutation (transfer of title), conversion (change of land use), and other necessary legal procedures.

- Ensure compliance with all applicable land laws, regulations, and statutory requirements in Maharashtra.

Regulatory & Liaison Work:

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant government authorities, including the Revenue Department, Town Planning Department, Urban Development Department, and local municipal corporations.

- Liaise with government officials to facilitate the acquisition of necessary approvals and permits, such as land use change permissions, zoning approvals, layout plan sanctions, and building permits.

- Ensure timely and accurate filing of applications and documentation with government agencies.

- Handle compliance with Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) regulations, and other statutory bodies.

- Monitor changes in land laws, regulations, and government policies, and advise the company on potential impacts.

Dispute Resolution:

- Handle and resolve land-related disputes, claims, and litigations through negotiation, mediation, or legal proceedings, in coordination with the legal team.

- Develop and implement strategies to mitigate land acquisition risks and prevent disputes.

- Manage relationships with local communities, Panchayat institutions, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to address concerns, build consensus, and ensure smooth project implementation.

- Represent the company in meetings and negotiations with external parties, including government authorities, landowners, and community groups.

Qualifications:

- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in land acquisition, real estate development, or a related field, with a significant portion of that experience in a leadership role.

- Extensive knowledge of land laws, regulations, and procedures in Maharashtra, including the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, and other relevant statutes.

- Proven track record of successfully acquiring land for large-scale development projects within Maharashtra.

- Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence diverse stakeholders.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

- Proficiency in using land record management systems, databases, and other relevant software.

- Familiarity with RERA regulations, environmental laws, and other regulatory requirements related to land acquisition and development.

- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

- Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and mentoring a team.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

- Master's degree in Law (LLM), Real Estate Management, or Urban Planning.

- Knowledge of land acquisition processes under various government schemes and policies.

- Experience in dealing with land acquisition in urban and rural areas of Maharashtra.

- Strong network of contacts with government authorities, legal professionals, and real estate agents in Maharashtra.