Department Overview:
Our client in the Telecommunication Sector is responsible for the decommissioning of outdated telecom stations and the management of a vast network of buildings across Belgium. The company is accelerating this process to dismantle and relocate services from aging facilities to new, efficient infrastructures. As part of this initiative, the company is looking for an experienced Land Negotiator to help source new locations for telecom stations as part of the ongoing migration program.
Job Context:
The company is managing over a hundred buildings across Belgium, which are either too large or obsolete and need to be dismantled. Around ten buildings are decommissioned each year, with an acceleration of this process in the coming years.
Customers connected to these old buildings need to be transitioned to new telecom stations. This process typically takes between 4 to 5 years.
The new program, Picasso, aims to expedite the decommissioning of these stations and secure new land for future telecom infrastructure.
The role will focus on identifying new land plots for the installation of passive street cabinets (fibre optic infrastructure), adjacent telecom stations, or containerized mobile telecom units (POP containers), to facilitate seamless service transition.
Key Responsibilities:
Coordinate the search and negotiation for new land across Belgium, primarily for the installation of passive telecom cabinets, adjacent stations, or containerized solutions.
Identify land within close proximity to existing decommissioned buildings to minimize cable laying costs.
Negotiate land acquisition agreements, including lease options (emphyteutic leases), with various parties such as municipalities, private owners, SNCB, and utility companies.
Ensure the successful execution of land agreements, obtaining in-principle agreements within an ambitious 8-month timeline.
Manage the entire process from land identification to securing agreements, ensuring cooperation between multiple internal departments (construction, architects, telecom specialists).
Work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, including municipal authorities and private owners, to secure land plots for the installation of telecom infrastructure.
Desired Profile:
Experience: Highly experienced in land negotiation, preferably with a background in real estate or a similar field. Knowledge of urban planning restrictions and regulations is a must.
Telecom Knowledge: A solid understanding of the telecommunications industry is a plus, though a basic knowledge of telecom infrastructure is sufficient.
Negotiation Skills: Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to manage and close deals efficiently, while maintaining strong relationships with various stakeholders.
Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams (construction, telecom, and architecture) to defend and promote projects.
Self-Starter: A proactive, ownership-driven approach to project management from start to finish.
Languages: Fluency in Flemish is required; French proficiency (at least upper-intermediate level) is preferred.
Location: The role requires a presence at the Brussels office every Wednesday; the candidate should also be mobile for travel across Belgium.
Key Characteristics:
Ability to work quickly and efficiently within tight timelines.
Strong communicator and able to explain complex issues in a clear and concise manner.
A highly organized and strategic thinker, capable of juggling multiple negotiations simultaneously.
A negotiator who is both assertive and diplomatic, able to secure agreements while building long-term relationships.
Practical Information:
Location: Fixed presence in Brussels on Wednesdays.
Recruitment Process: The process will include 2-3 stages:
First interview with Damien.
Second interview with Christophe.
Potential final interview with the PM.
Start Date: ASAP.
If you are an experienced land negotiator with a strong understanding of real estate and telecom infrastructure, and if you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.
