Assistant Conveyancing Manager

St James was established in 1996, originally as a joint venture between the Berkeley Group and Thames Water. A wholly owned subsidiary of Berkeley Group since 2007, the company has established a reputation as a design conscious developer regenerating brownfield sites and transforming them into attractive developments, whose design not only creates desirable places to live but also has a positive impact on the immediate area.

St William, a joint venture between National Grid and Berkeley Group, is redefining urban regeneration by turning industrial sites into sustainable, thriving communities across London and the South of England. With the backing of two industry leaders, we tackle some of the most complex technical projects, delivering high-quality developments where people love to live.

The role

This role is a 14 month fixed term contract, supporting the delivery of four residential developments across London. This role sits within the conveyancing function and is responsible for managing the conveyancing process from reservation through to completion and post completion, ensuring transactions progress efficiently while maintaining a high standard of customer service and compliance.

Working closely with external solicitors, internal sales teams and wider project stakeholders, you will play a key role in maintaining momentum across multiple developments and ensuring a smooth experience for purchasers.

The role

Plot Progression

• Manage the progression of new reservations through to exchange, working closely with external counsel, buyers’ solicitors and internal sales teams.
• Provide clear instructions to external legal partners and respond to enquiries relating to development sites.
• Conduct client due diligence and Anti-Money Laundering checks, preparing AML documentation for approval.
• Monitor exchange deposits and liaise with relevant parties to ensure timely payment.
• Maintain accurate trackers and provide reports for director and project meetings.

Completions

• Coordinate the completion process across developments, identifying and resolving issues to maintain programme milestones.
• Prepare pre-completion documentation and instruct external solicitors on notice and completion dates.
• Manage completion queries or delays, working with legal advisers, buyers’ solicitors and customer relations teams.

Post-Completion

• Manage post-completion queries from customers, managing agents and internal teams.
• Handle matters such as consents, deeds of variation and licences to alter.
• Support the resolution of legal matters relating to breaches of lease covenants.

Legal Site Setup

• Support legal preparation for new developments by liaising with technical and legal teams.
• Assist external counsel in preparing contracts and leases.
• Collate legal pack information from land, planning and technical teams.

Experience required

• Previous experience in new build conveyancing, ideally within residential development.
• A law degree or legal background is desirable, or demonstrable conveyancing experience.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple plots and developments simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage legal documentation accurately.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, working with internal teams, solicitors and customers.

Why join us?

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service to 33 days.
• Health and wellbeing benefits including Private Medical Insurance.
• Lifestyle benefits including access to an online discount platform.
• Berkeley Foundation volunteer day.
• Private pension plan.
• Group life assurance.

The standard default full-time working hours in the office are 8am-5pm with core working hours 9am-4pm.