Sr. Staff Landman - Corporate Development

Job Description

Job Description

Expert level land position requiring advanced knowledge in all aspects of negotiation, communication and land management across numerous E&P basins and governmental jurisdictions and can independently operate with substantial latitude for non-reviewed actions or decisions. Serves regularly as a project leader. Supervises and mentors junior level Landmen, fosters professional development and effectively interacts with interdisciplinary teams and management to ensure aligned objectives and goal accomplishment. Fills leadership positions on team and projects.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities

• Make recommendations regarding complex leases and contracts
• Acquire oil and gas leases on lands identified by technical staff, either directly or through use of lease broker
• Negotiate, draft, close and administer complex agreements with a high degree of accuracy on exploration activities including but not limited to, joint venture agreements, participation agreements, dry hole contributions, farm-ins, farm outs, confidentiality agreements, surface access / surface damage agreements
• Oversee due diligence in the acquisition and divestiture of producing assets
• Identify, seek and develop significant and impactful business opportunities that align with company goals and development
• Lead projects / act as a liaison with other departments, divisions and organizations
• Review work regarding legal, and financial obligations
• Track budget vs. spending closely on Excel and Aucerna’s AFE system
• Coordinate all necessary governmental filings and hearings Represent the company at lease/land sales and tender bids
• Prepare, review and evaluate lease recommendations, well proposals and third-party deal terms for presentation to management
• Strategic transaction structuring and negotiation leadership – Proven ability to lead complex asset and corporate transactions aligning commercial objectives with land, legal, tax, and operational considerations to optimize deal value and execution.
• Integrated land, legal, and commercial risk assessment – Deep expertise in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating title, contractual, regulatory, and exposure risks through rigorous due diligence and cross-functional coordination with legal, regulatory, finance, and operations teams.
• M&A research, market intelligence, and technical analysis – Extensive experience conducting basin- and company-level M&A research, including asset screening, competitive benchmarking, valuation drivers, precedent transaction analysis, and synthesis of land, operational, and commercial data to support deal origination and underwriting.
• Executive-level communication and decision support – Demonstrated capability to distill complex land and contractual concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership and investment committees, including preparation of concise executive summaries, valuation sensitivities, and scenario-based analyses.
• Build rapport and maintain mutually successful relationships with internal and external parties
• Conduct business with the highest ethical standards; demonstrate decision-making skills that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities
• Other duties as assigned

Computer/Software Applications

Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as company specific computer software and applications, including but not limited to QLS, SAP and Aucerna Execute software. Highly skilled in land research resources such as Texas File, County Government Records, AAPL Land Suite and Enverus applications.

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills

Apply vast knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations. Advanced understanding of land management principles including negotiations, contracts, leasing, and titles (i.e. title, JOA’s, oil and gas leases, curative documents, surface/mineral permits). Well-versed at negotiating, constructing and presenting commercial and business contracts and leases. Advanced understanding and knowledge of acquisition/divestiture economic metrics. Advanced understanding of geological principles, operations, reservoir engineering and basin/resource plays.

Typical Education

B.B.A. degree in Energy Management, Land Management or other Business degree.

Typical Experience

Minimum of 12 years of industry work experience.

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.