Legal Director

We are seeking an experienced Legal Director to take on a business?critical role, supporting the delivery of our Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build to Rent (BTR) developments. This role offers a fixed term contract of 18 months based from our Chester office (minimum of 2 days per week) with the flexibility to work from home too.

The role:

You will be accountable for the preparation, negotiation, and management of construction documentation across the full lifecycle of projects, working closely with internal commercial, technical, and operational teams, as well as external lawyers, investors, purchasers, and funders. The role requires a strong construction law background and the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice on complex development and funding arrangements.

You will lead negotiations with contractors and funders, draft and agree building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, and third?party rights, and ensure all documentation aligns with development and funding agreements. Acting as a trusted advisor across the business, you will also monitor legal and regulatory changes and work closely with the General Counsel to ensure schemes are appropriately managed and resourced.

About you:

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least 6 years’ post?qualification experience, strong construction and development expertise, and the confidence to operate at senior stakeholder level.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering high?profile developments within a growing and ambitious organisation.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.

Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.

Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.

Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment