At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a corporate department and shape its future while supervising a junior team member.
- Company: Join a Legal 500 firm known for sustainable growth and a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Escape the corporate grind and thrive in a balanced, down-to-earth environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ PQE corporate solicitor or junior partner with strong supervisory and business development skills.
- Other info: Relocate to beautiful Yorkshire for a slower, greener lifestyle while doing high-quality work.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 112000 £ per year.
Apply now
- Escape the high-pressure corporate grind and take the lead on building something new
- Step into a senior strategic role with a clear route to Board-level progression
- Enjoy a slower pace of life, without compromising on quality or ambition
If you’re a senior corporate solicitor or partner currently in a big city practice—this role offers a rare opportunity to shape a department, step into firm leadership, and enjoy a significantly improved work-life balance.
You’ll be joining a Legal 500 firm with a reputation for punching above its weight and a leadership team committed to sustainable, long-term growth. The corporate function has a strong base of instructions and backing from the firm to expand. You’ll help steady the ship, supervise and support a junior team member, and—within 12 months—be on track to take over as Head of Corporate and earn a seat at the Board table.
This is part of the firm’s wider succession planning and presents a genuine platform to make your mark while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living and working in York, Harrogate or Leeds. Whether you’re originally from Yorkshire and ready to return, or simply want to live somewhere greener, slower and more affordable, this is your chance to do high-quality corporate work in a down-to-earth setting.
Who we’re looking for
- 8+ PQE corporate solicitor or junior partner
- Experience of managing a varied transactional caseload, including M&A
- Demonstrable business development record and commercial acumen
- Strong supervisory skills and appetite to lead
- Background in a mid-sized, regional, or national firm
- Willingness to relocate or regularly commute to Harrogate / York / Leeds
Salary & benefits
- £90,000–£95,000 depending on experience
- Departmental profit share bonus (typically c.10% of billings above target)
- Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increases with service)
- Buy / sell holiday scheme
- 3% employer pension contribution (post-qualifying period)
- Westfield Health cash plan and Champion Health wellbeing platform
- Life assurance (4x salary), free simple Will, and legal fee discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme and interest‑free season ticket loan
- Hybrid working with flexible hours and time‑banking (up to one day per quarter)
- Monthly socials and transparent firm performance updates
Contact Duane Cormell
If you’re a senior corporate lawyer or partner looking to leave the rat race and lead somewhere you can truly thrive, contact Duane Cormell at duane@realmrecruit.com or call 03300 245 606 for a confidential chat.
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Head of Corporate employer: Realm Recruit
Contact Detail:
Realm Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in mid-sized or regional firms. Attend industry events or local meetups in York, Harrogate, or Leeds to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the firm's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the firm’s recent achievements and strategic goals. Understanding their vision for growth will help you articulate how your skills and experience align with their objectives during informal conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your business development successes in detail. Highlight specific examples of how you've contributed to growth in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness for a leadership position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your supervisory skills by discussing your experience mentoring junior team members. Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you plan to support and develop the team at the firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a corporate solicitor or partner, focusing on your PQE and any relevant transactional caseloads, particularly M&A. Emphasise your leadership skills and business development achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Discuss why you want to move away from the high-pressure environment and how you can contribute to the firm's growth and culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your supervisory skills and any previous leadership roles. Highlight how you've successfully managed teams and contributed to strategic decisions in your past positions.
Research the Firm: Familiarise yourself with the firm’s values, culture, and recent achievements. Mention these in your application to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their goals, especially regarding sustainable growth and work-life balance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Realm Recruit
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Corporate position, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, highlighting your supervisory skills and your approach to mentoring junior team members.
✨Highlight Your Business Development Experience
This role requires a strong business development record. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully generated new business or expanded existing client relationships. This will show your commercial acumen and ability to contribute to the firm's growth.
✨Understand the Firm's Vision
Research the firm’s values and long-term goals. During the interview, align your answers with their vision for sustainable growth and how you can contribute to that. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their future.
✨Prepare for Questions on Work-Life Balance
Given the emphasis on a better work-life balance in this role, be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and maintain a healthy balance. Share strategies that have worked for you in the past, as this will resonate well with the firm's culture.