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SRO Land & CPO lead

Join South West Water’s Strategic Resource Options Programme
Strategic Resource Options Programme
Exeter or Bristol HQ | Hybrid working | Full-time
Up to £95,000 per annum plus an excellent benefits package (experience dependent)

Role Overview

South West Water is seeking an experienced Land & CPO Lead to play a critical senior role in delivering a major infrastructure programme within the Strategic Resource Option (SRO), including the Cheddar 2 project.

This role will provide technical, strategic and delivery leadership across all land, property, statutory powers and compulsory purchase activities. The successful candidate will ensure excellent external stakeholder communication and engagement and the timely acquisition of land and rights required to support project delivery, from early engagement through to consent implementation and construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Take the lead in shaping and delivering the land and property strategy for a major infrastructure programme

• Play a key role in securing land and rights from a wide and varied landowner base, balancing business needs with the interests of our stakeholders and making a tangible impact on project success

• Use your expertise to select and apply the most effective land acquisition approaches, from negotiation through to compulsory purchase

• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and project teams, influencing key decisions throughout the project lifecycle

• Lead and collaborate with specialist consultants, ensuring high-quality, joined‑up delivery

• Oversee the preparation and delivery of the Compulsory Purchase Order, helping bring a nationally significant project forward

• Take ownership of land and property budgets, cost forecasts and financial performance

• Identify and manage risks proactively, ensuring smooth and compliant delivery

• Build strong, lasting relationships with landowners, partners and regulators, managing carefully business reputation

• Contribute to key reporting and approvals, helping shape decisions at programme and board level

Skills and Experience

Essential

• MRICS or FRICS qualification

• Strong experience leading land purchase and CPO for complex major infrastructure projects

• In-depth knowledge of:

  • Compulsory purchase legislation and compensation code

  • Statutory powers and infrastructure planning processes

• Proven experience in land acquisition, valuation and negotiation

• Experience managing consultants, budgets and delivery programmes

• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capability

• Ability to manage complex risks, governance and assurance processes

Desirable

• Degree in property, land / estate management or agriculture

• CAAV membership

Key Competencies

• Strong technical expertise combined with strategic leadership

• Excellent negotiation skills, including handling complex and contentious matters

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Clear and confident communication of complex technical issues

• Ability to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary delivery environment

This is a senior leadership position offering the opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant infrastructure programmes in the South West. The role will act as a trusted technical authority and strategic partner, ensuring land and property considerations enable successful project delivery.

What's in it for you?

At South West Water, we believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our SRO Land & CPO lead on the SRO programme, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills

• Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role

• Annual Bonus Scheme – Rewarding your performance

• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future

• Healthcare Benefits – Access to private healthcare and employee assistance programs

• Professional Development – Support for career growth with training opportunities

• Employee Discounts – On various products and services

• Generous Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: Thursday 9th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

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