Head of Leasing and Land Acquisition

Job Title: Head of Leasing and Land Acquisition 

Company: Sunflower Fuels 

Location: Hybrid/Flexible within target regions (Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia) 

Employment Type: Full-time 

About Sunflower Fuels: 

Sunflower Fuels is a pioneering development company addressing the critical shortage of resources for global energy production in the U.S. We partner with energy and fuel companies to lease land for cultivating carbon-capturing crops like Miscanthus x giganteus. Our mission is to promote sustainable energy solutions by optimizing land use in key regions, including Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. 

Position Overview: 

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Leasing and Land Acquisition to lead our efforts in securing high-value land leases for carbon-capturing crop production. This leadership role is critical to achieving our growth goals and fulfilling our mission to enhance global energy sustainability. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in land leasing and acquisition, particularly in agriculture or energy-related projects, and a proven track record of building strong partnerships with landowners and stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive land leasing and acquisition strategy aligned with company goals. 
• Landowner Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to secure long-term land leases. 
• Negotiation: Lead negotiations to secure favorable lease terms that support sustainable crop production and business objectives. 
• Market Analysis: Identify and evaluate high-potential land opportunities within target regions, leveraging market data and local insights. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including sales, development, and operations, to align leasing activities with broader company goals. 
• Compliance: Ensure all leasing activities comply with legal, regulatory, and environmental standards. 
• Team Leadership: Build and manage a high-performing team to support land acquisition and leasing efforts as the company grows. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, real estate, business, or a related field; a master’s degree is a plus. 
• 7 years of experience in land leasing and acquisition, preferably in agriculture, energy, or real estate development. 
• Proven track record of successful negotiations and securing high-value leases. 
• Strong understanding of land use planning, zoning regulations, and agricultural leasing practices. 
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to travel frequently within target regions. 
• Passion for sustainability and renewable energy initiatives. 

Competence/Skill Sets: 

• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities; 
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development; 
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving; 
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills. 

Personal Attributes: 

• High level of self-confidence, motivation, maturity and integrity; 
• Capable of finding solutions to difficult issues both individually and by working with a team; 
• Driven to support customers, vendors and partners; 
• Sense of humor; 
• Excited about Sunflower Fuels and the potential to transform our economy to run on clean, renewable energy. 

What We Offer: 

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives. 
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans. 
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a mission-driven company. 
• The chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy production. 

Why Join Sunflower Fuels? 

• Opportunity to make a significant impact in the energy and agriculture sectors by promoting sustainable, carbon-capturing solutions. 
• Collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to a high-growth organization with a meaningful mission. 
• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives. 

Sunflower Fuels is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. If you’re passionate about sustainable energy solutions and have the sales experience to lead our growth, we encourage you to apply.