Director - Right of Way

This position will provide leadership and strategic oversight of the Companys ROW activities for the Companys Mid and Large Capital Projects. The role will be accountable for overseeing the ROW strategy in leading an internal team and external partners to deliver projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.:

• Provide strategic direction of ROW capital projects and the coordination of the activities of assigned staff, contractors and/or consultants through the planning, route development, pre-acquisition, acquisition, construction, post-construction, operational phases and ongoing maintenance activities along the ROW and Company facilities;
• Direct, oversee, and provide regular reporting on the efforts and work product of additional contractors and consultants to ensure ROW acquisitions are on time, within budget, and that ROW projects comply with Company guidelines and contracts;
• Establish team initiatives and team goals
• Establish, implement, communicate, and enforce policies and procedures related to ROW that enhance efficiencies and meet the overall objective and goals of the departments and the Company;
• Establish and implement sound strategies for successful negotiations including recognizing and anticipating obstacles and mitigating and resolving problems relating to ROW;
• Direct ROW due diligence on acquisition, land rights, obligations, and divestitures;
• Oversee land related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, damage claims, taxes, construction land disputes, interpretation of legal documentation, deed restrictions, title issues, mining rights, oil/gas rights, etc. together with leading the development and preparation of legal documents such as easements, leases, releases, settlement documents and other instruments for further review and approval by legal staff;
• Oversee preparation and validation of ROW cost estimates, land valuations, and acquisition strategies for major capital investments;
• Communicate and collaborate effectively (critical and essential to the position) with ROW Department Management, Project Managers/Staff, Operations, Engineering, Environmental, Legal, Finance, Health & Safety and Business Development; as well as external customers, landowners, producers, contractors, consultants, government officials, municipalities and agencies;
• Responsible for Project ROW Budgets manage department and/or project budget activity, including preparation of budgets, management and forecasting budgets, preparation of right-of-way cost estimates for projects/acquisitions and establishing short and long term goals and impacts;
• Serve as the primary Company Representative at public meetings, landowner negotiations, public hearings, mediations, trials, etc.;
• Support and assist in Company Public Awareness/Damage Prevention Program and safety initiatives;
• Establish and maintain high standards and measurable goals for the ROW Department and/or projects in line with the Companys mission and goals;
• Enhance, protect, and enforce Companys property rights; ensure payment obligations are satisfied
• Ensure utilization and maintenance of ROW databases and appropriate file documentation and retention;
• Ensure all work, communications, and negotiations are conducted with honesty, integrity, and transparency, and in accordance with Company standards
• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 12-15 years or more ROW experience preferably with a natural gas or liquids pipeline operator
• Minimum of 7-10 years of demonstrated leadership experience managing ROW teams, programs, or departments across multiple projects and locations
• Proven ability managing complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability driving positive changes with continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while still maintaining high quality standards
• Demonstrated problem solving skills addressing and executing solutions to complex problems in a timely manner
• Ability to promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables
• Ability to train and develop staff, provide constructive feedback and take appropriate corrective action to address performance and conduct issues
• Ability to effectively handle pressures and demands of deadlines and competing priorities
• Knowledge of real estate principles, rules and regulations pertaining to the acquisition of rights-of-way, licenses, permits and other land rights is favorable
• Ability to read, understand and prepare technical documents such as easements, leases, licenses, etc. is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communications skills both internally and externally
• Possess computer competencies including but not limited to Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, ability to navigate Databases, etc.
• Ability to leverage formulas in Excel to help interpret accounting related information and reports
• Strong Interpersonal skills - high degree of interaction with a variety of groups from field construction personnel, vendors and internal personnel (environmental, engineering, operations).
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule prioritize and forecast multiple processes and priorities
• Must be team-oriented and self-directed
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and dependability.
• Must be flexible, adaptable, and possess a high level of initiative.
• Must display good judgment and the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Travel required, including overnight travel
• Occasional visits to industrial/manufacturing settings which may include hazardous material and chemicals as well as extreme temperature conditions and loud machinery, and require appropriate personal protective equipment