Disputes Manager

We're working with a major client who has acquired land and property across Britain's high-speed rail infrastructure programme, and we're recruiting for a Disputes Manager to lead disputes and tribunal strategy.

This is a leadership role. You'll be responsible for overseeing the disputes portfolio and stopping matters from reaching Tribunal in the first place. You'll shift the culture from litigation management to early negotiation and settlement, guiding teams to resolve matters before they escalate.

You're a Chartered Surveyor with deep experience in land acquisition, compulsory purchase and negotiation. You understand property valuation and CPO practice. You'll work across a complex supply chain, set clear strategies for each case, influence government stakeholders, and have real autonomy in shaping how disputes are resolved.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead the development of dispute resolution strategies, identifying which cases to settle early and which to defend
Work proactively with case managers to shift from litigation management to early negotiation and settlement
Establish and manage a comprehensive tracker of all tribunal cases and potential cases
Undertake risk and cost assessments with suppliers, identifying cases needing proactive management
Negotiate complex, high-value property acquisitions approaching or in active dispute resolution
Work with legal and counsel to build an in-house team and instruct experts quickly
Advise on strategy in novel and contentious areas of compulsory purchase
Deliver sealed offers and settlement proposals in live cases
Brief and influence senior stakeholders including government departments
Mentor the Land and Property team on disputes strategy and tribunal practice
What We're Looking For
You're a Chartered Surveyor with substantial land assembly and acquisition experience, ideally from complex infrastructure projects. You might come from private practice, another acquiring authority, or the Valuation Office Agency. You understand compulsory purchase legislation, property valuation and how to negotiate credibly with claimants' agents. You have the political awareness and stakeholder skills to influence senior government officials and your own leadership. You're pragmatic about what serves the programme best, not dogmatic about litigation. You can hold strategic conversations and translate complex property matters into business impact