Head of Real Estate

IPS Group Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Job summary

IPS Group Limited in Manchester is seeking an experienced Head of Real Estate to lead a high-performing team, drive growth, and oversee complex property transactions. The role blends strategic leadership with client relationship management and cross-practice collaboration in a hybrid work setting.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in commercial real estate, strong BD capabilities, and the ability to develop and mentor a team while delivering commercially focused advice across

Qualifications

• Extensive experience advising on a broad range of commercial real estate matters.
• Strong track record of managing complex transactions and delivering commercially focused advice.
• Proven business development and client acquisition experience.
• Leadership experience with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop legal teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Real Estate team, setting strategic objectives and ensuring delivery against business targets.
• Drive business development initiatives, identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor and develop lawyers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Oversee the quality, consistency and delivery of all real estate matters handled by the department.
• Handle and supervise complex property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
• Work closely with senior leadership and other practice areas to provide integrated legal solutions for clients.
• Manage departmental budgets, profitability and resource allocation to support sustainable growth.
• Contribute to operational improvements, including process development, automation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Skills

Real estate leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Team mentoring

Job description

Manchester | Leadership Opportunity | Hybrid Working

The Opportunity

Joining a well-established national firm with offices across Leeds, Manchester and London, the successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Commercial Services to drive the continued development of the real estate offering. The firm advises a diverse client base including SMEs, large businesses, high-net-worth individuals, associations and organisations operating across a wide range of sectors.

This position combines strategic leadership, client relationship management, business development and technical excellence. The successful individual will be responsible for overseeing complex property transactions, maintaining exceptional service standards and developing a high-performing team capable of supporting ambitious growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Real Estate team, setting strategic objectives and ensuring delivery against business targets.
• Drive business development initiatives, identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor and develop lawyers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Oversee the quality, consistency and delivery of all real estate matters handled by the department.
• Handle and supervise complex property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
• Work closely with senior leadership and other practice areas to provide integrated legal solutions for clients.
• Manage departmental budgets, profitability and resource allocation to support sustainable growth.
• Contribute to operational improvements, including process development, automation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Candidate Profile

Applications are welcomed from experienced real estate lawyers from Senior Associate upwards with a proven track record of growing and leading teams and developing successful client relationships.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Extensive experience advising on a broad range of commercial real estate matters
• A strong track record of managing complex transactions and delivering commercially focused advice.
• Proven business development and client acquisition experience.
• Leadership experience with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop legal teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical excellence and a reputation as a trusted adviser.

Experience advising organisations within the social care sector would be particularly advantageous, although it is not essential.

The Firm

This award‑winning legal services organisation supports thousands of businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Its specialist legal teams advise across a broad range of practice areas, including employment, commercial, regulatory, casualty and civil litigation matters.

The firm is recognised for delivering practical, commercially focused advice and has built a strong reputation for client service, innovation and technical excellence.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to lead and shape a growing real estate practice.
• Clear strategic influence within a nationally recognised legal business.
• Established client base with significant opportunities for further growth.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and professional development.
• Genuine opportunity to build and expand a team with substantial growth ambitions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Real Estate Lawyer of Senior Associate level upwards seeking a strategic leadership role where they can make a significant impact while further developing their practice within a well‑resourced and forward‑thinking legal business.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Head of Real Estate

Company: IPS Group Limited
Salary: £100,000 to £100,000 a year
Hours: Full‑time
Location: Manchester, M2 2JG
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 6 Oct 2026
Closing date: 4 Nov 2026

Summary

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.