Valencia Waste Management operates a substantial property portfolio of more than 6,500 acres, spanning a range of sectors and sites in all parts of the UK. We are looking for a qualified property lawyer to take ownership of the group's estates as our Head of Estates.

Role Summary:

This is a senior, standalone role for someone who wants the breadth of a whole portfolio rather than a narrow specialism. You will be the single point of ownership for the group's freehold and leasehold interests, handling the legal, commercial and day to day management of every site. With more than 6,500 acres across multiple sectors and every corner of the UK, the work is varied, hands on and genuinely national, so a real appetite for getting out to the sites is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the group's property portfolio across all operational and non operational sites, covering both freehold and leasehold interests.
• Manage the group's landlord and tenant relationships, both where we are the landlord and where we are the tenant, including lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, variations, assignments and surrenders.
• Lead property related legal disputes, including royalty, dilapidations, reinstatement, restoration and breach matters, instructing and managing external solicitors where needed.
• Oversee business rates across the portfolio, including liaison with the Valuation Office and rating advisers and the challenge of assessments where appropriate.
• Negotiate and document heads of terms, leases, deeds of variation, licences and other property agreements, working alongside our legal team.
• Manage end of lease, restoration and reinstatement obligations alongside our operational and technical teams.
• Maintain accurate records of the group's holdings, including title, lease terms, rent, key dates and obligations, and report to senior management on property risk, value and strategy.
• Travel regularly to sites in all parts of the UK to inspect, build relationships with landlords and stakeholders, and progress matters on the ground.

Essential Experience:

• A qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with a strong real estate background, ideally with solid post qualification experience in commercial property and landlord and tenant.
• Confident handling both transactional property work and contentious property matters.
• Commercially minded, able to weigh legal risk against business priorities and reach practical outcomes.
• Comfortable working autonomously and owning a broad and busy remit.
• A strong communicator who can deal directly with landlords, advisers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Holds a full UK driving licence and is happy to travel to sites in all parts of the UK, including overnight stays where needed.
• Experience in waste, minerals, energy, land or infrastructure is an advantage but is not essential.

Why Join Valencia Waste Management:

Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to sustainable waste solutions and environmental impact. At Valencia, you’ll be part of a collaborative team driving innovation, improving communities, and shaping a cleaner, more responsible future. We offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a tangible difference every day.