Hs2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 is a major infrastructure project building a high-speed rail network across the UK.
Disputes Manager
Manage tribunal strategies, risk assessments, and negotiations for property disputes.
Job Highlights
About the Role
As a Disputes Manager you will be accountable for devising strategies for tribunal cases, determining which matters to settle and which to refer. The role involves close collaboration with strategic suppliers to assess risk and cost, and with HS2’s legal team to establish agreed approaches for each case. You may also negotiate complex, high‑risk property acquisitions and advise on novel compulsory purchase strategies. The position requires proactive promotion of EDI in all work, adherence to HS2’s health and safety policies, and contribution to continuous improvement of dispute resolution processes. • Devising and implementing strategies for tribunal cases, deciding which to settle or refer. • Maintaining a comprehensive tracker of tribunal cases, including dates, officers, lawyers, experts and a RACI matrix. • Delivering sealed offers and Calder Bank offers in line with DfT delegations. • Conducting risk and cost assessments with strategic suppliers to identify hotspots. • Coordinating with legal counsel to appoint experts and capture lessons learned from tribunals. • Leading design of individual tribunal strategies, considering impacts on HS2 and compulsory purchase practice. • Enhancing ADR policy and advising team members on alternative dispute resolution. • Sharing expertise with case managers, acquisition leads and senior property acquisition managers. • Preparing monthly reports and quarterly cost/opportunity updates for senior leadership. • Ensuring compliance with HS2 health and safety policies. • Managing relationships with stakeholders, influencing decisions and negotiating outcomes. • Providing independent expert evidence and advisory support in tribunals and select committee briefings.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸strategy design
- ▸case tracking
- ▸risk assessment
- ▸adr policy
- ▸stakeholder management
- ▸reporting
What You Bring
Candidates should be chartered surveyors or equivalents with deep knowledge of the land and property sector, compulsory purchase legislation and government compensation schemes. Required experience includes working in complex infrastructure projects, managing supplier performance, delivering briefings to Select Committees, and providing expert evidence in tribunals or major inquiries. HS2 does not hold a sponsorship licence, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Pre‑employment checks will cover nationality, immigration status, references, DBS, financial and education verification. Initial suitability is assessed solely on the CV, which is anonymised to remove bias.
Requirements
- ▸chartered surveyor
- ▸land sector
- ▸infrastructure
- ▸supplier mgmt
- ▸expert evidence
- ▸uk work
Benefits
The Disputes Manager role is based in Birmingham and offers a base salary ranging from £61,622 to approximately £77,028 per annum, dependent on skills and experience. In addition, a flexible benefits fund of 20% of salary is provided, fully pensionable, together with a suite of competitive benefits listed on the HS2 website. HS2 Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all staff can thrive. The organisation promotes equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), provides flexible working, supports staff networks and offers personal and professional development opportunities.
Work Environment
Hybrid