Head of Real Estate

Anakin Seal Legal; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Anakin Seal Legal in Manchester is seeking an experienced Real Estate Partner to lead the real estate practice within the commercial advisory function. The role focuses on growing the property arm of the business and driving strategic direction from the Manchester office.

The successful candidate will own the real estate team, manage complex transactions and develop high-value client relationships, while contributing to growth objectives across the firm’s national network.

Qualifications

• Senior Associate or higher with a track record of growing and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Real Estate team, setting strategic objectives and targets.
• Drive business development initiatives to grow the client base.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor and develop lawyers and support staff.
• Oversee the quality, consistency and delivery of all real estate matters.
• Manage complex property transactions including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to provide integrated legal solutions.
• Oversee budgets, profitability and resource allocation.
• Support process improvements, automation and knowledge-sharing.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Strategic thinking

Business development

Real estate law

Job description

Manchester | Leadership Opportunity | Hybrid Working

A leading UK legal services provider is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Real Estate Partner to work as part of it’s commercial advisory function and to ultimately help grow the property arm of this unique business and the commercial division as a whole from its Manchester based office.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior real estate lawyer to take ownership of a growing team, shape its strategic direction, and play a key role in the wider growth of a highly respected commercial legal services business.

The team currently consists of three fee earners, with ambitious plans to more than double in size over the coming years.

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 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.