Legal Counsel - Property & Development

VOYAGE CARE; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel with expertise in property, development, and construction law. You will oversee all aspects of development transactions and provide legal guidance on various projects while supporting the Group's strategic growth. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years of experience and strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme, annual leave, and training support.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Comprehensive induction and training

25 days annual leave

Employee discount app

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• 8+ years' PQE in property, development, and construction law.
• Strong technical knowledge of real estate, development, and construction law.
• Experience in-house within a developer or construction business.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development transactions and negotiate agreements.
• Handle property acquisitions and drafts associated documentation.
• Advise on planning and regulatory matters.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Legal drafting

Education

UK-qualified solicitor

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel with expertise in real estate, development, and construction law to join our in-house legal team. This high-impact role will support the Group's strategic growth, ensuring our existing property portfolio is effectively managed and new developments are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and commercially. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead on all aspects of property acquisition, development, and construction across the Group's portfolio-supporting projects from planning through to completion and operation. In addition, you'll deliver legal guidance across a broad range of legal areas affecting the Group, giving you exposure to varied work and the opportunity to advise on everything from routine queries to high-impact projects.

Voyage Care provides specialist support for people with learning disabilities, autism, brain and spinal injuries, and other complex conditions across the UK. With over 30 years' experience, our passionate team of 11,000+ staff supports more than 3,500 individuals in residential, supported living, and outreach services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of development transactions, from conducting due diligence to negotiating and finalising commercial agreements.
• Handle property acquisitions and disposals as well as associated agreements (leases, SLAs, management contracts).
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction documentation (JCT/NEC contracts, professional appointments, warranties, collateral agreements).
• Advise on planning, environmental, and regulatory matters affecting care sector developments.
• Manage relationships with external legal advisors and professional consultants.
• Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to non‑lawyer stakeholders across the business.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of internal processes, precedent documents, and risk management frameworks.

Qualifications

• UK‑qualified solicitor with 8+ years' PQE (guideline) in property, development, and construction law.
• Strong technical knowledge of real estate, development and construction law (including JCT/NEC contracts).
• Experience gained in‑house within a developer, care provider, or construction business, or from a top‑tier private practice real estate/construction team.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and provide commercial, solution‑focused advice.
• Excellent communication, drafting, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate autonomously in a fast‑paced, values‑driven organisation.

Benefits

• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Long service awards.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• 25 days annual leave plus birthday and bank holidays.
• Employee discount app and funded Blue Light Card.
• Enhanced family leave and wellbeing support.
• Wagestream app for flexible pay access.
• Refer‑a‑friend bonuses.

Ready to Join Us? If you're passionate about making a difference and want to help us deliver our growth agenda responsibly and sustainably, we'd love to hear from you. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS (England) or PVG (Scotland) check, including the Barred Adult List. Take a look around the company https://careers.voyagecare.com