Head of Real Estate
Manchester | Leadership Opportunity | Hybrid Working
A leading UK legal services provider is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Real Estate Partner to work as part of it’s commercial advisory function and to ultimately help grow the property arm of this unique business and the commercial division as a whole from its Manchester based office.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior real estate lawyer to take ownership of a growing team, shape its strategic direction, and play a key role in the wider growth of a highly respected commercial legal services business.
The team currently consists of three fee earners, with ambitious plans to more than double in size over the coming years.
The Opportunity
Joining a well-established national firm with offices across Leeds, Manchester and London, the successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Commercial Services to drive the continued development of the real estate offering. The firm advises a diverse client base including SMEs, large businesses, high-net-worth individuals, associations and organisations operating across a wide range of sectors.
This position combines strategic leadership, client relationship management, business development and technical excellence. The successful individual will be responsible for overseeing complex property transactions, maintaining exceptional service standards and developing a high-performing team capable of supporting ambitious growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Real Estate team, setting strategic objectives and ensuring delivery against business targets.
- Drive business development initiatives, identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
- Recruit, supervise, mentor and develop lawyers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Oversee the quality, consistency and delivery of all real estate matters handled by the department.
- Handle and supervise complex property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
- Work closely with senior leadership and other practice areas to provide integrated legal solutions for clients.
- Manage departmental budgets, profitability and resource allocation to support sustainable growth.
- Contribute to operational improvements, including process development, automation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcomed from experienced real estate lawyers from Senior Associate upwards with a proven track record of growing and leading teams and developing successful client relationships.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience advising on a broad range of commercial real estate matters
- A strong track record of managing complex transactions and delivering commercially focused advice.
- Proven business development and client acquisition experience.
- Leadership experience with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop legal teams.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Technical excellence and a reputation as a trusted adviser.
Experience advising organisations within the social care sector would be particularly advantageous, although it is not essential.
The Firm
This award-winning legal services organisation supports thousands of businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Its specialist legal teams advise across a broad range of practice areas, including employment, commercial, regulatory, casualty and civil litigation matters.
The firm is recognised for delivering practical, commercially focused advice and has built a strong reputation for client service, innovation and technical excellence.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing real estate practice.
- Clear strategic influence within a nationally recognised legal business.
- Established client base with significant opportunities for further growth.
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.
- Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and professional development.
- Genuine opportunity to build and expand a team with substantial growth ambitions.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Real Estate Lawyer of Senior Assictae level upwards seeking a strategic leadership role where they can make a significant impact while further developing their practice within a well-resourced and forward-thinking legal business.
Head of Real Estate employer: IPS Group Careers
Join a dynamic and supportive insurance business that values your leadership skills and offers a collaborative work culture. With opportunities for professional growth and development, you'll be at the forefront of driving team performance and customer satisfaction in a hybrid working environment that balances office presence with flexibility. Located in Sheffield with travel to the South Coast, this role provides a unique chance to influence key strategic initiatives while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a strong focus on employee engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Real Estate
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like IPS Group Careers.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like IPS Group Careers? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit IPS Group Careers's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Head of Real Estate role at IPS Group Careers, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group Careers
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where IPS Group Careers operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to IPS Group Careers. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at IPS Group Careers.
