|In-house Legal Manager |North West |Up to £85k & Annual Bonus|
Do you have a strong background in UK residential housing law?
We have been instructed on an unmissable opportunity to shape and lead an in-house legal function.
An in-house Legal Manager is sought to join a growing residential property business specialising in build-to-rent homes. With the backing and experience of a major European residential property group, this business combines the resources of an established organisation with the pace and ambition of a developing company.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded solicitor to take ownership of a broad legal and compliance portfolio, work closely with senior stakeholders and play a key role in shaping how the business manages legal risk as it continues to expand.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, with a wider connection to the European Group Legal function, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day legal needs of the business. This is a hands-on position offering the opportunity to resolve matters internally, provide practical advice to colleagues and ensure external legal advisers are engaged strategically and cost-effectively when specialist support is required.
Residential property and tenancy law will form a significant part of your remit, alongside data protection, employment issues, commercial agreements and corporate governance. You will also have the opportunity to influence internal processes, strengthen legal frameworks and help establish a scalable legal function for the future.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Residential property and tenancy matters: Advising on tenancy agreements, possession proceedings, eviction processes, rent challenges, disrepair claims and deposit protection, ensuring the business operates in accordance with relevant housing legislation.
- Legislative developments: Monitoring changes in residential tenancy law, particularly the Renters' Rights Act and Housing Act 1988, and advising operational teams on the practical implications.
- Data protection and privacy: Taking the lead on GDPR compliance, internal policies, staff training, data subject access requests, data breaches and liaison with the Information Commissioner's Office where necessary.
- Complaints and dispute resolution: Managing complex or escalated complaints and overseeing relationships with relevant redress schemes and ombudsman services.
- Governance and leadership support: Assisting with board documentation, company records, statutory filings and investor-related governance, as well as advising senior management on legal considerations affecting commercial decisions and business partnerships.
As the “go to” legal oracle of the business, you’ll also oversee Legal operations and budget management managing relationships with external solicitors and counsel in relation to wider commercial and corporate matters that include a range of contracts, corporate transactions and employment lawyer.
About You
You will be a qualified lawyer with at least five years' post-qualification experience and a strong background in residential property and tenancy management. You will bring practical knowledge of housing legislation and the confidence to advise on contentious tenancy matters, including possession, eviction, rent disputes and disrepair.
Any exposure to data protection and GDPR, would be useful alongside any interest in employment law and commercial contracts. You do not need to be a specialist across every area; the priority is the ability to manage a varied legal workload independently, recognise when additional expertise is needed and provide clear, commercially focused advice.
We are particularly interested in lawyers who are proactive, pragmatic and comfortable working closely with non-legal colleagues. You will enjoy taking responsibility, balancing legal risk against business priorities and finding solutions that work in practice.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- This is a brand-new role and offers the successful candidate the chance to build a legal function and significantly contribute to the growing ambition and success of this business.
- They are a bright, progressive and people orientated organisation and this is a rare opportunity to practice law In-house.
- If you’re a commercially minded residential property lawyer with frustrations in relation to the repetition in your caseload, then this role could be the tonic!
Location: Stockport, with a predominantly office-based working arrangement (c4days) to build a consistent culture and some travel is required.
For a confidential conversation please do get in touch with Steve Shakespeare on 0113 467 9789 or via: Steve.Shakespeare@saccomann.com