Private Client Solicitor - Head of Department - Derby - £40,000 to £65,000

QED Legal; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Manchester is seeking a Private Client Solicitor to head the Probate Department. You will lead and develop the Probate function, mentor colleagues, and ensure compliance. Ideal candidates should have experience in private client work and strong organisational skills. The role offers a competitive salary with incentives, and professional development opportunities in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary with performance-related incentives

Clear professional development opportunities

Access to comprehensive well-being support

Qualifications

• Experience in private client or conveyancing work.
• Previous team management experience within legal services.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to delivering improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Probate function, including management of team managers.
• Ensure all regulatory, legal and internal compliance frameworks are met.
• Monitor and report on KPIs to measure and enhance service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Organisational abilities

Strategic mindset

Problem-solving

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Private Client Solicitor - Head of Department - Derby - £40,000 to £65,000

The firm

This is an established, forward‑thinking legal business specializing in Wills, Probate and Estate Planning. With a growing national presence, the organisation is committed to changing how people think about future planning by helping clients preserve not only their financial assets, but their emotional and personal legacies for generations to come.

The firm is known for its empowering culture, collaborative team structure and strong client satisfaction, with a mission‑driven approach centred on transparency, care and exceptional service. Career development is actively supported, with a focus on nurturing internal talent and providing clear pathways for growth.

The role

• Lead and develop the Probate function, including management of team managers
• Mentor, coach and guide colleagues to drive performance and achieve results
• Ensure all regulatory, legal and internal compliance frameworks are met
• Maintain smooth and efficient case management processes and workflows
• Identify opportunities to strengthen operational performance and client service
• Work with senior leadership to deliver strategic objectives
• Monitor and report on KPIs to measure and enhance service delivery
• Support growth and improvement of Probate services across the wider organisation
• Act as a technical reference point on complex matters and assist in escalated issues
• Keep up to date with changes in probate and wider private client practice
• Assist with process design, efficiencies and continuous improvement

Have you been looking for an opportunity where your leadership genuinely influences service quality and growth?

Ensure a collaborative and knowledge‑sharing environment focused on delivering excellence.

You

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
• Experience in private client or conveyancing work
• Previous team management experience within legal services
• Strong organisational abilities with a track record of maintaining clear systems and processes
• A willingness to grow or expand expertise within probate work
• Positive communication and relationship‑building skills
• Strategic mindset with the confidence to support division‑wide growth
• A proactive and solutions‑focused approach to delivering improvements

Do you enjoy coaching others and helping to elevate a team’s performance?

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance‑related incentives
• Clear professional development and training opportunities
• Encouraging, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Access to comprehensive well‑being support via Westfield Health
• Regular team events, celebrations and recognition programmes

If you are ready for a Senior role at a specialised firm where your input and leadership will make a real difference then apply online! or contact Toby Ryan at QED Legal today.