Senior Associate - Housebuilder/ Residential development

BCL Legal; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

BCL Legal is seeking a Senior Housing & Residential Development Lawyer to join the Manchester team of a leading UK law firm.

The role focuses on advising national and regional housebuilders on complex development transactions, including acquisitions, strategic land, and affordable housing work. The successful candidate will have 6+ years' PQE and will take on leadership, client relationships, and mentorship responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years PQE in Housing & Residential Development.
• Experience with site acquisitions for housebuilders.
• Knowledge of affordable housing transactions (Section 106, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Lead residential development transactions from acquisition to completion.
• Draft and negotiate development contracts, options, leases.
• Manage key client relationships and mentor junior lawyers.
• Collaborate across Housing, Real Estate, Planning, Construction teams.

Job description

Senior Housing & Residential Development Lawyer | Manchester

Leading Housing & Residential Development Team | Housebuilder & Development Work | Managing Associate / Senior Associate | Excellent Career Progression

We are working with a highly regarded, full-service UK law firm looking to appoint an experienced Senior Housing & Residential Development Lawyer to join its established and growing team in Manchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and client-focused lawyer to join a well-regarded practice at the forefront of the residential development sector. The team advises a strong portfolio of national, regional and SME housebuilders, registered providers and developer clients on complex, high-value residential development and affordable housing transactions.

The role would suit an experienced lawyer, ideally with 6+ years' PQE, who is looking to take on greater responsibility, develop key client relationships and play an active role in the continued growth of the practice.

The Opportunity

• Lead a broad range of residential development transactions, including site acquisitions, strategic land assembly and disposals for national, regional and SME housebuilders
• Advise on complex residential development projects, taking ownership of due diligence and providing clear, commercial advice
• Draft and negotiate development documentation, including contracts, options, building leases, promotion agreements, transfers and overage agreements
• Advise on affordable housing transactions, including Section 106, golden brick, turnkey and package deals
• Support registered providers with funding arrangements, leasehold structures and portfolio management matters
• Work closely with colleagues across Estate Set Up, Infrastructure and Plot Sales to support developments from acquisition through to completion
• Take responsibility for key client relationships and act as a trusted, commercially focused adviser
• Supervise, support and mentor junior lawyers, helping to develop the wider team
• Contribute to business development, networking and the continued growth of the practice
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Housing, Real Estate, Planning, Construction and Property Litigation to deliver a multidisciplinary service

The Team

• Highly regarded and growing Housing & Residential Development practice.
• Strong reputation across the residential development and affordable housing sectors.
• Acts for a broad portfolio of leading housebuilders, registered providers and developer clients.
• Excellent quality and variety of high-value development work.
• Collaborative, supportive and down-to-earth culture.
• Strong emphasis on client relationships, professional development and long-term progression.
• Opportunity to work closely with experienced practitioners and play a visible role within the team.

Why Apply?

• Join an ambitious and well-established Housing & Residential Development practice
• Work on high-quality and complex residential development transactions
• Gain genuine autonomy and responsibility across a varied caseload
• Develop strong relationships with key clients and become a trusted adviser
• Take on leadership, supervision and mentoring responsibilities
• Play an active role in the continued growth and development of the practice
• Benefit from excellent career progression and long-term development opportunities
• Work within a collaborative and supportive team with a strong national platform
• Flexible hybrid working, with around two days per week in the Manchester office

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years' PQE and strong experience in housebuilder site acquisition and residential development work. Experience across affordable housing and/or Housing & Regeneration would also be of interest.

You will have excellent technical and client management skills, together with a commercial and solutions-focused approach. The role would suit someone who is keen to develop their leadership responsibilities, take ownership of significant matters and contribute to the continued growth of the team.