At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand the in-house property legal function, managing landlord-side transactions.
- Company: A growing, commercially focused group in Manchester with a diverse property portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in role, and long-term progression opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and build an efficient in-house team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the property department while collaborating with senior management.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE as a Property Solicitor with strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A growing, commercially focused group in Manchester is seeking an experienced Property Solicitor to lead and expand its in‑house property function. This is a senior, strategic role suited to someone who thrives on autonomy and enjoys shaping departmental growth while remaining hands‑on with a varied portfolio of property work. The group has a substantial and diverse property portfolio and requires a confident, commercial lawyer who can manage matters from inception through to completion, particularly on the landlord side, while building and mentoring a small developing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the property legal function, acting as the primary point of contact for all property‑related matters across the group.
- Manage and progress landlord‑side property transactions from start to finish, including:
- Leases (grant, renewal, variations)
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Commercial lettings
- Rent reviews and ongoing landlord obligations
- Provide clear, practical and commercially focused advice to internal stakeholders.
- Work closely with senior leadership to support property strategy, risk management and decision‑making.
- Oversee external counsel where required and ensure costs are controlled effectively.
- Build out the property team, including supervising junior staff, supporting recruitment, and establishing efficient workflows and processes.
- Contribute to the development of legal frameworks, documentation templates, and best practice protocols across the department.
About You
- 5+ years PQE as a Property Solicitor (commercial property or mixed landlord/tenant work).
- Strong experience working on landlord‑side transactions from inception to completion.
- Confidence handling a high‑volume, varied caseload with minimal supervision.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to advise non‑legal stakeholders clearly and concisely.
- Previous experience supervising junior lawyers or contributing to the development of a team (or a genuine desire to step into that responsibility).
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to build a robust, efficient in‑house property function.
Why Join?
- A senior, influential position with the autonomy to design and grow the property legal department.
- Direct collaboration with senior management and involvement in strategic decision‑making.
- A stable, expanding group with a substantial property footprint.
- Opportunity to step away from the constraints of private practice and enjoy a more commercially integrated role.
- Competitive salary and long‑term progression opportunities within the group structure.
If you’re an experienced Property Solicitor ready to take ownership of an in‑house department and help shape its long‑term direction, please get in touch to discuss this opportunity further.
Commercial Real Estate Head of Department in Manchester employer: Simpson Judge
Simpson Judge is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Birkenhead, the role of Purchase Ledger Clerk not only provides competitive salary options but also fosters a collaborative environment where team members can thrive and enhance their skills in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Real Estate Head of Department in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the commercial real estate scene. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and successes in property law. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps demonstrate your hands-on experience in managing landlord-side transactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s property portfolio and recent developments. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs. We want to see you shine as the confident, commercial lawyer they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that senior role you’ve been aiming for!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Real Estate Head of Department in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your 5+ years PQE and any relevant landlord-side transactions you've managed. We want to see how you can lead and grow our property legal function!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior role. Share your vision for the property department and how your experience aligns with our goals. Remember, we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves building and mentoring a team, make sure to highlight any previous experience supervising junior lawyers or leading projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop others, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial property law, especially landlord-side transactions. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves building and mentoring a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led others in the past. Talk about your approach to supervision and how you’ve contributed to team development. This will demonstrate that you’re ready for the responsibilities of a Head of Department.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s property portfolio and their strategic goals. Being able to discuss how your legal expertise can support their business objectives will set you apart. It shows you’re not just a lawyer but a partner in their success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current challenges in property management or how they envision the growth of the legal department. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
