Lead: Commercial Property Counsel

We are seeking an experienced Lead Counsel - Commercial Property with ECC (Electronic Communications Code) experience to lead the transactional function within a busy Legal & Compliance team supporting a large-scale estates and infrastructure programme to join our Telco Partner based in Theale. This is a senior role combining team leadership, hands-on legal delivery, and operational oversight, working closely with Estates teams, internal stakeholders, and external solicitors to deliver high-volume property transactions efficiently and at scale. About the Role You will lead a team of Property Counsels and Transactional Case Managers, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across a demanding and fast-paced portfolio of telecoms property work. The role covers a broad range of transactions, including: Code Agreements (new sites, renewals, variations) Lease and licence negotiations Freehold acquisitions and disposalsYou will also play a key role in improving how legal services are delivered by driving efficiency, standardisation, and continuous process improvement. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead, manage, and develop a transactional legal team Allocate workloads and oversee delivery against programme targets Provide technical guidance on complex and high-value matters Foster a high-performing and collaborative team cultureTransactional Delivery Personally manage a portfolio of complex and strategic transactions Support negotiations and resolution of legal and commercial issues Ensure transactions align with agreed heads of terms and internal risk frameworksStakeholder Engagement Act as a senior legal partner to Estates and delivery teams Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external solicitors, and site providers Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to support delivery objectivesProcess Improvement & Governance Drive standardisation of templates, playbooks, and legal processes Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, quality, and efficiency Strengthen governance and risk controls across transactionsPerformance & Reporting Track key metrics including transaction volumes, timelines, and risks Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders Use data insights to support continuous improvementAbout You We are looking for an England and Wales qualified solicitor with strong commercial property experience and leadership capability in a high-volume environment. You will bring: 5-10 years PQE in commercial property\commercial conveyancing transactions, particularly relating to landlord and tenant matters as well as freehold acquisitions Familiarity with the Electronic Communications Code (2017) Strong background in commercial property law, including landlord & tenant work and freehold transactions Experience managing or supervising legal teams Confident negotiator with strong commercial judgement Ability to balance hands-on legal work with leadership responsibilities Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills Desirable experience: Telecoms infrastructure or asset-based industries In-house legal experience within a commercial environment Why Join? This is a senior leadership opportunity where you can shape delivery, improve legal operations, and play a key role in enabling a major infrastructure programme. Project People is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy