Manager, Land Acquisitions at TransAlta in Denver, CO

Manager, Land Acquisitions

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy - we’ll provide the platform.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Manager, Land Acquisitions is responsible for developing and executing land acquisition strategies that support the development, construction, operation, expansion, and acquisition and divestiture of energy infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States. The role leads all land-related acquisition activities for thermal generation, renewable energy, energy storage, transmission, pipeline, and related infrastructure projects.

As the organization's subject matter expert in land acquisition, the Manager is highly motivated and organized and provides strategic advice to Origination, Development, M&A, Legal, Engineering, Environmental, Construction, Operations, Finance, and senior leadership on site control, land rights, title risk, stakeholder engagement, commercial negotiations, and landowner relations.

The role is accountable for securing and protecting the real property interests required to advance projects while managing commercial risk and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate will bring strong industry expertise, sound judgment, and analytical problem-solving abilities, complemented by exceptional communication and negotiation skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage complex contracts and competing priorities.

This role is eligible for a remote work arrangement, with a preference for candidates based in the Western United States and specifically Denver, where TransAlta maintains an office.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Strategic Land Acquisition & Project Development

• Develop and execute land strategies supporting greenfield and brownfield development, acquisitions, divestitures and operational projects.
• Identify, evaluate and secure sites for thermal, wind, solar, energy storage, transmission, pipeline and other energy infrastructure.
• Advise project teams on site selection, title, zoning, access, competing land uses and land-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Commercial Negotiations & Land Agreements

• Lead negotiations for complex land agreements, including purchases, options, leases, easements, rights-of-way, access and surface use agreements.
• Establish commercial terms that balance project economics, landowner expectations and business requirements, partnering with Legal to structure and finalise agreements.
• Present negotiation strategies, commercial risks and recommendations to senior leadership.

Title, Due Diligence & Land Risk

• Oversee title, ownership verification, due diligence and curative activities, identifying and mitigating risks related to ownership, access, encumbrances, mineral rights and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, surveyors, title companies and external consultants, and support land-related due diligence for acquisitions, financing and divestitures.
• Rights-of-Way, Access & Government Lands
• Secure easements, rights-of-way, access and infrastructure corridors required for project development, construction and operations.
• Negotiate with government agencies and public landowners to secure land use agreements, access rights and approvals, while supporting permitting and regulatory requirements.

Landowner & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, government representatives, developers, brokers, legal counsel and community stakeholders.
• Lead the resolution of landowner concerns, access disputes, compensation matters and other land-related issues while supporting positive long-term relationships.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop the land team through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, workload management and resource allocation.
• Manage external land service providers and establish consistent processes, documentation, reporting practices and standards across projects and regions.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Evaluate land values, compensation structures, lease economics and acquisition alternatives to support project and investment decisions.
• Develop and manage land budgets, forecasts and payment obligations, including consultant costs, landowner compensation and other land-related expenditures.
• Oversee land agreement administration, ensuring contractual obligations, key dates, payments and records are accurately tracked and maintained.

Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide senior leadership with updates and recommendations on acquisition progress, project milestones, commercial risks and key land issues.
• Partner across Origination, Development, M&A, Engineering, Environmental, Construction, Operations, Regulatory, Finance and Legal to resolve land-related project challenges.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, we are looking for the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Strong contract analysis, organizational, and investigative skills, with exceptional attention to detail, resourcefulness, and the ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve complex land-related issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Land Management, Real Estate, Business, Natural Resources, Energy Management, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in land acquisition, real estate, project development, or related commercial functions within the energy or infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated experience securing land rights for utility-scale energy, transmission, pipeline, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of land acquisition practices, title systems, due diligence processes, contract negotiation, and property law across Canada and/or the United States.
• Demonstrated ability to lead negotiations, influence stakeholders, and manage complex commercial transactions.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing employees, contractors, consultants, and cross-functional project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
• U.S.-based candidates are preferred, with a strong preference for those located in Denver.

THE PERKS

• Annual and long-term incentives available for select roles
• 401(k) plan with 5% fixed employer contributions, up to 3% company matching, and additional employee contribution
• Benefits program for you and your family which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous vacation and personal days
• Learning and development programs
• Employee recognition and rewards
• Annual wellness allowance

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is USD $130,000 – USD $175,000 at the time of this posting. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. The top end of the range is reserved for individuals with exceptional, directly relevant expertise and a demonstrated history of strong performance within TransAlta. This range reflects base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program and benefits.

Explore our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing https://www.transalta.com/careers.

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us? Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.