Head of Real Estate

Manchester
 
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially focused Real Estate Partner to join a well-established legal practice and lead the continued growth of its Real Estate team.
This is a strategic leadership position within a respected commercial legal business, offering the opportunity to shape the direction of the department, grow an existing client base, and play a key role in the wider commercial services offering. The team currently consists of three fee earners, with significant investment and ambitious plans for expansion.
 
Working closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for driving the growth strategy of the Real Estate function while maintaining excellent standards of client service and technical delivery.

The Role
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, managing and developing the Real Estate team, setting strategic objectives and delivering against business targets.
• Driving business development initiatives to win new work and expand relationships with existing clients.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients, referral partners and stakeholders.
• Recruiting, mentoring and developing lawyers and support staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Overseeing the quality, consistency and commerciality of all Real Estate matters handled by the team.
• Advising on and supervising complex property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders and other legal teams to deliver integrated advice and solutions for clients.
• Managing departmental financial performance, budgets and resource planning to support sustainable growth.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement, innovation and enhanced service delivery.

About You
To be successful in this role, you will be:

• A highly experienced Real Estate lawyer operating at Partner level or an ambitious Legal Director/Senior Associate ready to step into a leadership position.
• Experienced in advising on a broad range of commercial property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant work, and development projects.
• Commercially minded, with a strong track record of generating business and building long-term client relationships.
• An effective people leader with experience managing, mentoring and developing legal teams.
• Technically strong, with a reputation for delivering pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice.
• Confident in building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to delivering exceptional client service and maintaining the highest professional standards.

Desirable

• Sector experience within social care, healthcare or other regulated industries would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to take ownership of a growing Real Estate practice within an established and ambitious legal business. You'll have the autonomy to shape strategy, influence growth plans, develop a team and make a significant impact on the future success of the department.
 
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with Huw@douglas-scott.co.uk