At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal negotiations and manage construction documentation for exciting development projects.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Build to Rent developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and exclusive shopping discounts.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role within a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 6+ years in construction law and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Legal Director to take on a business-critical role, supporting the delivery of our Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build to Rent (BTR) developments. This role offers a fixed term contract of 18 months based from our Chester office (minimum of 2 days per week) with the flexibility to work from home too.
The role: You will be accountable for the preparation, negotiation, and management of construction documentation across the full lifecycle of projects, working closely with internal commercial, technical, and operational teams, as well as external lawyers, investors, purchasers, and funders. The role requires a strong construction law background and the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice on complex development and funding arrangements. You will lead negotiations with contractors and funders, draft and agree building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, and third-party rights, and ensure all documentation aligns with development and funding agreements. Acting as a trusted advisor across the business, you will also monitor legal and regulatory changes and work closely with the General Counsel to ensure schemes are appropriately managed and resourced.
About you: The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least 6 years post-qualification experience, strong construction and development expertise, and the confidence to operate at senior stakeholder level. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-profile developments within a growing and ambitious organisation.
Benefits: Here’s what we can offer you: Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships. Wellbeing: Access to Your Wellbeing programme & OpenUp a confidential wellbeing platform. Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more. Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme. This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.
Legal Director in Chester employer: Watkin Jones Group
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those with experience in construction law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves leading negotiations with contractors and funders, practice articulating your approach to complex legal scenarios and how you’ve successfully navigated them in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your previous work related to construction documentation and funding arrangements. This will not only demonstrate your capabilities but also give you confidence during discussions with potential employers.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in construction law and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Legal Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
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 role. We love seeing passion and personality, so let us know what excites you about working with us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves leading negotiations, make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or agreements. We want to see that you can handle high-stakes discussions with confidence!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones Group
✨Know Your Construction Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your construction law knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legislation that relate to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex legal matters.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about how you would approach negotiations with contractors and funders. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations. This will demonstrate your ability to operate at a senior stakeholder level.
✨Understand Their Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the company's Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build to Rent (BTR) developments. Knowing their projects and how your role fits into their business strategy will help you articulate how you can add value.
✨Showcase Your Advisory Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve acted as a trusted advisor in previous roles. Highlight instances where your legal advice has positively impacted project outcomes, showcasing your ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused solutions.