Commercial Real Estate Head of Department

Director - Head of Legal at Simpson Judge ⚖️

In-House Property Solicitor (Senior Associate / Head of Department)

Location: Manchester | PQE: 5+ Years | Position: Senior Associate / Head of Property Department (In-House)

Opportunity

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

• As the In‑House Property Solicitor, you will:
• 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

The ideal candidate will have:

• 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.

How to Apply

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.

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