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- Tasks: Lead legal negotiations and manage construction documentation for exciting development projects.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer with a rich history and future-focused vision.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a company committed to sustainable development and vibrant communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile developments in a dynamic and ambitious organisation.
- 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.
Why Choose Watkin Jones Group? Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management. Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.
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 PLC
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director in Chester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend legal seminars, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your construction law background and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to the table!
✨Be Ready for Negotiations
Prepare yourself for those tricky negotiation scenarios. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you can lead negotiations effectively. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 our team. Be sure to mention your experience with negotiations and how you’ve successfully managed complex legal matters in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In this role, you’ll be working closely with various teams and external parties. Highlight your experience in managing relationships with stakeholders and how you’ve navigated challenging situations in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones PLC
✨Know Your Construction Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your construction law knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legislation that are relevant to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex legal matters.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since you'll be leading negotiations with contractors and funders, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated tough negotiations. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Watkin Jones Group's projects and their impact on the community. Being able to discuss how your legal advice can support their Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Build to Rent developments will show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's future projects, their approach to legal challenges, or how they manage regulatory changes. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.