CPO Lead - Land and Property

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In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description 6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide specialist leadership, oversight, and coordination of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and land acquisition activities in support of the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme. The postholder will manage complex land and property matters, provide strategic advice, oversee external consultants and advisers, monitor risk, and ensure the successful delivery of property-related workstreams. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, the CPO Lead will support the Council in securing programme objectives while ensuring compliance with statutory, governance, and commercial requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) workstreams across the regeneration programme.
• Oversee the resolution of outstanding compensation claims arising from CPO activity.
• Manage and coordinate potential referrals and proceedings at the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).
• Provide specialist advice on land acquisition, property interests, compensation, and regeneration-related property matters.
• Support the delivery of wider land and property initiatives, including disposals, acquisitions, infrastructure agreements, leases, licences, and easements.
• Act as the Council's client representative in commissioning and managing external property, valuation, legal, and commercial advisers.
• Monitor adviser performance, outputs, budgets, and programme delivery.
• Provide assurance that land and property workstreams are progressing in accordance with programme objectives, statutory requirements, and governance arrangements.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate risks associated with land assembly, compensation, acquisitions, and property transactions.
• Prepare reports, briefings, business cases, and governance documentation for senior officers, boards, and committees.
• Support programme governance arrangements through the provision of accurate reporting and performance updates.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with landowners, developers, consultants, legal teams, valuers, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure all property and land transactions are delivered in accordance with legislative, financial, and procurement requirements.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of regeneration and infrastructure projects through effective land and property management.

Requirements

• Significant experience leading Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) projects within a regeneration, infrastructure, development, or local government environment.
• Extensive knowledge of CPO legislation, compensation principles, land acquisition, and property law.
• Experience managing compensation claims and Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) matters.
• Proven track record in complex land assembly and regeneration programmes.
• Experience overseeing property disposals, acquisitions, leases, licences, and related transactions.
• Strong understanding of local authority governance and decision-making processes.
• Experience managing external consultants, legal advisers, surveyors, and commercial property specialists.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to assess and manage commercial, legal, and programme risks.
• Strong report writing, presentation, and governance experience.
• Membership of RICS, RTPI, IRRV, or a relevant professional body is desirable.
• Degree-level qualification in Property, Real Estate, Planning, Surveying, Law, or a related discipline is desirable.

Additional Information

• Location: London Borough of Barnet (Hybrid, 1-2 Days per Week in Office)