Location: Flexible within India / Field-based with frequent travel
Experience:12+ years in land acquisition, development or real estate transactions
Qualification: Graduate in Law, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning or related discipline; postgraduate preferred

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded senior leader to join the executive team as Vice President — Land Acquisition. The role is accountable for identifying, securing and managing land parcels for residential, commercial and mixed‑use projects, ensuring timely acquisition, statutory compliance and strong stakeholder relationships. The successful candidate will lead a cross‑functional land team, interface with government authorities and external advisors, and drive a best‑in‑class land sourcing and transaction capability.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the land acquisition strategy aligned to the company’s development pipeline and growth targets.

• Identify and evaluate land opportunities through market research, direct sourcing, brokers and strategic partnerships.

• Lead end‑to‑end transaction execution including site assessment, valuation, due diligence, negotiation, commercial structuring and documentation.

• Manage relationships with landowners, local authorities, statutory bodies, community stakeholders and third‑party advisers (legal, technical, environmental).

• Oversee land titling, approvals, clearances and compliance with applicable laws (land acquisition, environmental, zoning and local regulations).

• Structure and negotiate complex deals including joint ventures, leaseholds, development agreements, land swaps and compensation frameworks.

• Drive cost optimisation and risk mitigation for the land portfolio through robust due diligence and contractual protections.

• Prepare and present investment memoranda, recommendation papers and approval packages to the executive committee and board.

• Build and lead a high‑performing land acquisitions team; set objectives, mentor staff and manage external vendor performance.

• Maintain accurate land acquisition records, trackers and regular management reporting on pipeline, spend and milestones.

Required competencies and experience

• Minimum12 years’ relevant experience in land acquisition, real estate development, infrastructure projects or related sectors, with substantial experience in senior transactional roles.

• Proven track record of sourcing and completing large or complex land transactions, preferably across multiple jurisdictions.

• Strong commercial acumen with capability to lead negotiations and structure deals that balance speed, cost and risk.

• Deep knowledge of land laws, statutory processes, due diligence requirements and local government procedures.

• Experience managing stakeholder engagement including landowners, communities, government agencies and specialist consultants.

• Excellent leadership skills with experience building and managing cross‑functional teams.

• Superior communication, presentation and report‑writing skills; comfortable preparing papers for senior leadership and boards.

• Ability to travel frequently and operate effectively in field environments.

• Professional qualifications in law, surveying, engineering or urban planning are advantageous.

Personal attributes

• Decisive, pragmatic and outcome‑oriented.

• High integrity and ethical approach to stakeholder engagement and negotiations.

• Resilient under pressure with strong problem‑solving skills.

• Collaborative, with a hands‑on approach and attention to detail.

Reporting: Reports to the Chief Operating Officer / Head of Development.

Location & travel: Field‑based; regular travel to project sites and government offices required.

Notice period: Immediate to60 days preferred.

About Sperton

Sperton is a global recruitment and consulting firm operating across Europe, Asia and the Americas. We partner with organisations to source and manage senior talent and specialist consultants, delivering compliant and flexible recruitment and mobility solutions.