Head of Property – Full Time (Office Based)
Head of Property – Full Time (Office Based)
Location: Truro, Cornwall
Firm: Penderlaw Solicitors
Penderlaw Solicitors, a well‑established and respected practice in the centre of Truro, is seeking a Head of Property to lead our Residential Property Department. This is a senior appointment offering the opportunity to oversee a busy and varied caseload while contributing to the strategic development of both the department and the wider firm as part of the management team.
You will be joining a well‑established, highly capable property team with an excellent reputation and a strong flow of high‑quality work. Our lawyers are able to be selective in the matters they take on, shaping their caseloads around their strengths and interests, and helping to grow and refine the department’s offering in line with the team’s collective skills. The firm is committed to supporting professional development and will provide financial assistance, study leave or exam leave where appropriate.
The successful candidate will act for individuals across a broad range of residential property matters and will play a key role in supervising junior colleagues, maintaining high professional standards, and supporting the continued growth of the department.
While the role is full time (office based), flexible working arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Residential Property Work
- Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases
- Remortgages and equity release
- Transfers of equity and gifts
- Auction conveyancing
- Drafting loan agreements and legal charges
- Drafting and renewing residential leases
- Lease extensions, variations, and related deeds
- First registration of title
- Transfers of part, including building plots
Exposure to Commercial Property Work
Although the primary focus of the role is residential conveyancing, the department also undertakes a range of commercial property matters. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to become involved in these areas depending on experience and interest. Our commercial property work includes:
- Grant of new commercial leases
- Assignments of existing leases
- Lease renewals and terminations, including advising on break clauses
- Security of tenure matters
- Licences to occupy
- Sale and purchase of land for redevelopment, including conditional contracts, overage provisions, option agreements and joint ventures
- Breaches of covenants and related disputes
- Sale and lease‑back arrangements
- Commercial mortgages and funding
- Agricultural land transactions
- Auction properties
- Business sales and purchases
Leadership, Compliance & Cross‑Departmental Responsibilities
- Supervising, mentoring, and developing junior members of the team
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal procedures, including robust AML and source‑of‑funds checks
- Working collaboratively with other departments on cross‑departmental matters, including transactions arising from the Matrimonial and Estates/Probate teams
- Providing high‑quality client care and maintaining strong professional relationships
- Supporting departmental and firm‑wide growth through effective file management, service delivery, commercial awareness, and participation in management‑level decision‑making
- Helping to shape and develop the department’s service offering in line with team strengths, market demand, and firm strategy
- Participating in firm‑wide and departmental training initiatives
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive, or active progress toward a recognised professional qualification. Candidates working toward qualification will be fully supported, including financial assistance and study/exam leave where appropriate
- Substantial experience in residential conveyancing and the ability to manage files independently
- Strong technical knowledge and an innovative, solutions‑focused approach
- Excellent client care skills and experience managing client relationships
- Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
- A positive and collaborative attitude, with the ability to remain calm, constructive, and solutions‑focused in a fast‑paced environment
- Effective organisational and file management skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
- A sound understanding of AML compliance, source of funds requirements, and risk management in conveyancing
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with colleagues across the firm, including on cross‑departmental matters
- Commercial awareness and sound financial management, including working to departmental fee targets
- A proactive, committed, and flexible approach to work
- Experience in, or an interest in developing exposure to, commercial property work is advantageous but not essential
Benefits
We offer a supportive working environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- 20 days annual leave (increasing by one day per year up to 5 years)
- Generous Christmas/New Year office closure
- Free city centre parking (when available)
- Company pension scheme
- Free or subsidised legal services
- Support for career progression and agreed study leave
- In‑house training and development opportunities
- Practising Certificate costs covered
- Flexible/home working arrangements as agreed
- Departmental fee targets
Salary
Competitive, in the region of £35,000–£55,000 FTE depending on experience, plus bonus scheme and a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced property lawyer looking for your next step, or a current Head of Department seeking a fresh challenge, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to hr@penderlaw.co.uk.
MICRO JOB ADVERT
Head of Property – Residential (with Commercial Exposure)
Truro, Cornwall | £35–55k + Bonus | Full Time (Office Based)
Well‑respected central Truro firm seeks a Head of Property to lead a strong, established team with a high‑quality caseload. Residential focus with optional commercial exposure. Genuine influence as part of the management team.
Open to Solicitors/CILEX or those working toward qualification. Full support, funding and study/exam leave available.
Key points:
• High‑quality residential caseload
• Optional commercial property work
• Team leadership + cross‑departmental collaboration
• Strong AML and compliance focus
• Excellent reputation, steady workflow, supportive culture
Apply: Send CV + cover letter to hr@penderlaw.co.uk. All applications confidential.
