M&A Corporate Director – Hybrid, Growth & Leadership

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

28 days leave + bank holidays

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Training & development

Additional leave option

Job summary

William James Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an experienced Corporate Legal Director to lead the corporate team and manage complex transactions. You will oversee inception to completion of deals, advise on mergers, private equity, VC investments, and joint ventures.

The role combines high‑quality transactional work with leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior lawyers and developing client relationships.

Qualifications

• Extensive post-qualification experience within a Corporate law team.
• Strong M&A technical expertise across corporate transactions.
• Experience leading matters and managing client relationships with confidence.
• Track record supervising and developing junior fee earners.
• Excellent commercial awareness and strong business acumen.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex corporate transactions from inception through to completion.
• Advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, venture capital transactions, management buyouts, restructurings, shareholder arrangements and joint ventures.
• Act as a trusted adviser to business owners, investors, management teams and corporate organisations.
• Take ownership of transaction management, coordinating deal teams and ensuring matters progress efficiently.
• Build and strengthen client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing connections.
• Collaborate with specialists across a range of legal disciplines to deliver seamless and commercially focused advice.
• Support, mentor and develop junior lawyers within the team.
• Play an active role in business development, networking and profile-raising activities.

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate law

Client relationships

Leadership

Business acumen

Stakeholder management

Proactive mindset

Job description

William James Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an experienced Corporate Legal Director to lead the corporate team and manage complex transactions. You will oversee inception to completion of deals, advise on mergers, private equity, VC investments, and joint ventures.

The role combines high‑quality transactional work with leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior lawyers and developing client relationships.