Corporate Partner

Head of Corporate / Corporate Partner

Location: South Manchester (Multiple Offices)

Hybrid Working Available

Salary: DOE

About the Firm

A long-established, forward-thinking full-service law firm with multiple offices across Greater Manchester is seeking a highly experienced Head of Corporate / Corporate Partner to lead its growing Corporate & Commercial offering.

Known for its entrepreneurial culture, high-quality advice, and strong regional presence, the firm supports a diverse range of business clients from SMEs and owner-managed businesses to investors, developers, and international entities. The firm operates on values of collaboration, integrity, professionalism, and long-term client care.

Role Overview

This is a rare and strategic leadership opportunity for an ambitious senior Corporate Solicitor to step into a Head of Department / Partner position. You will lead the Corporate team, drive growth, oversee high-value transactional work, and represent the corporate arm of the firm across its offices.

The role combines strong technical expertise with commercial acumen and requires someone confident in both leadership and client development.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the strategic growth plan for the corporate department.
• Lead business development initiatives, nurture existing relationships, and attract new corporate clients.
• Act as a senior representative of the corporate practice within the partnership group.
• Corporate & Commercial Expertise
• Oversee and lead high-value transactions, including share and asset acquisitions/disposals, joint ventures, reorganisations, and corporate structuring.
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on shareholders' agreements, joint venture agreements, commercial contracts, and governance documents.
• Provide business-focused legal advice to companies at all lifecycle stages, including start-ups, SMEs, and established commercial entities.
• Manage complex due diligence and transactional processes with precision and commercial awareness.
• Team Management
• Supervise, develop, and motivate a team of Corporate/Commercial lawyers at varying levels.
• Encourage a collaborative, supportive culture with a strong emphasis on quality and client service.
• Provide technical guidance and lead training initiatives within the department.
• Client Engagement
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with a wide range of business clients.
• Represent the firm at networking events, seminars, and industry functions.
• Provide strategic advice directly to directors, shareholders, and stakeholders.

Person Specification

• Qualified Solicitor with extensive PQE (typically 6+ years) in Corporate Law.
• Proven track record in managing a broad range of corporate transactions.
• Experience at Senior Associate, Legal Director, Partner, or Head of Department level.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent business development capability with a record of generating and sustaining work.
• Commercially astute, client-focused, and capable of operating at a senior strategic level.
• Confident communicator with the gravitas needed to lead a department and represent the firm.

Why Join This Firm?

• Join a respected, expanding firm with an established commercial and corporate client base.
• Step into a senior leadership role with real influence over departmental and firm-wide strategy.
• Hybrid working available with flexibility across multiple offices in South Manchester.
• Opportunity to handle high-value, complex transactional work.
• Supportive partnership environment with a modern, forward-thinking culture.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, dependent on experience.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Corporate Solicitor looking for a significant leadership opportunity with a reputable and ambitious South Manchester firm, we encourage you to get in touch with Millie Ebbrell @ Simpson Judge