The Client
Sacco Mann is working with a highly recognisable, market-leading UK retailer plc with a significant national footprint and a loyal customer base. The business has demonstrated strong resilience in a challenging market and continues to evolve its offering across both physical stores and online channels. As part of its ongoing growth, an opportunity has arisen for a lawyer to join its established in-house legal team.
The Role
This is a senior role responsible for heading up the commercial real estate legal function across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with a focus on retail stores, distribution centres, manufacturing sites and office assets. Acting as a key strategic adviser, you will ensure the legal integrity of a significant property portfolio while partnering closely with the wider business to support ongoing expansion, repositioning and operational performance.
You will lead a small internal team and liaise with external legal advisers, driving efficiency, consistency and high-quality output across all property-related legal matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing and wider portfolio management. The role also carries responsibility for legal governance, compliance and cost control across a high-volume, fast-moving estate.
The Person
The ideal candidate is likely to have at least 8 years PQE with deep expertise in Landlord & Tenant law and leasehold structures. Previous experience of the retail real estate sector would be advantageous but you must be able to demonstrate a genuinely strategic mindset— You’ll be someone who is confident not only in presenting legal options, but in actively advising on the most appropriate course of action to support the business.
An exceptional negotiator, you’ll be proactive and solutions-focused in your approach, with proven leadership and stakeholder management skills and a collaborative style of working across teams. The role requires the ability to manage complex, multi-site and multi-jurisdictional matters under pressure, while consistently delivering pragmatic, commercially driven legal advice.
The role is based on the south side of Leeds and will require a x2 day commitment on site, with Tuesdays being allocated as a SLT day.
The Package
Attractive and competitive salary in line with experience
Bonus
Healthcare
Pension
Discounts.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Steve.Shakespeare@saccomann.com or call his DL 0113 467 9789