Family head of Department

Realm Recruit; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing childcare law practice in Manchester is seeking a panel-accredited childcare solicitor to take over an existing caseload. This role provides a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. You will manage your work flexibly, representing clients in court, and overseeing junior staff, contributing to a collaborative team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days holiday + birthday off

Medicash health plan

Pension contribution

Structured appraisals

Hybrid working model

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Essential panel-accreditation as a childcare solicitor.
• Experience in public law children matters and related work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an existing caseload from day one.
• Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff.
• Build relationships with clients and professionals.
• Represent clients in court and ensure care.

Skills

Panel-accredited childcare solicitor

Managing public law children matters

Strong communication skills

Business development skills

Leadership potential

Job description

• Step into a senior role with immediate access to an existing caseload
• Progress toward Regional Director status
• Thrive in a no-ego, down-to-earth team with real opportunities for growth

Are you a panel-accredited solicitor or head of department ready to step into a high-impact role with room to grow?

You’ll inherit a live caseload and play a key part in shaping the regional childcare team. With a supportive culture, collaborative targets, and structured career progression, this is a standout opportunity to take ownership of your work while being backed by an experienced and growing national practice.

If you’re ambitious, people-focused and eager to make a difference, this is the move for you.

Who we’re looking for

• Panel-accredited childcare solicitor (essential)
• Experience managing public law children matters, parent and guardian work
• Strong communication and BD skills
• Leadership potential or aspirations to progress into HOD/regional director role
• Supportive, approachable and collaborative
• Supervisory experience a bonus but not essential

What you’ll be doing

• Manage and grow an existing caseload from day one
• Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff, including a trainee
• Build relationships with guardians and other professionals
• Represent clients in court and ensure excellent client care
• Work flexibly from either the Manchester or Blackburn office

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• 26 days holiday + your birthday off (after 1 year)
• Medicash health plan
• Standard pension contribution
• Structured appraisals and support to achieve panel membership or promotion
• Hybrid working: 3 days office, 2 from home (adaptable to court and client needs)
• Supportive culture – no hierarchy, mutual respect across all teams
• Inclusive celebrations

ContactMel Samson

Want to play a key part in shaping the future of a growing childcare law team in Manchester? Get in touch for a confidential chat.

📩 [e-mail]

📞 03300 245 606