Executive Search for a Managing Director of a Specialist Property Firm

The Challenge

A family-run property law firm specialising in new build transactions and conveyancing approached us to find a Managing Director to lead their next growth phase. Based in the southeast of England, the firm has a strong reputation for client service, operating from recently refurbished offices that promote teamwork and collaboration.

While they had enjoyed steady success, their leadership recognised that to grow further, they needed an experienced Managing Director who could assess the business, introduce operational improvements, and expand their services across England and Wales.

The role demanded someone with property sector experience, strong operational skills, and the ability to drive strategic growth. The ideal candidate would also need to align with the firm’s values, which emphasise high-quality service and collaboration.

The Role

The Managing Director role was centred on three main areas:

• Strategy and Business Growth: Expanding beyond their current focus on London and the Home Counties to achieve a national presence.
• Operational Improvements: Streamlining processes to support scalability while maintaining a high standard of client service.
• Team Leadership: Collaborating with department heads in finance, HR, IT, and operations while supporting a relatively young team who were eager to develop and progress.

The owners were looking for a candidate who could manage day-to-day operations while also identifying long-term opportunities to grow the business.

Our Approach

We conducted a focused search to find candidates who could meet the demands of the role:

• Industry Knowledge: We focused on candidates with experience in the property or legal sectors, particularly those with a background in conveyancing or new build transactions.
• Leadership Experience: We targeted professionals with a proven ability to lead transformation, manage teams, and introduce operational changes.
• Growth Track Record: We sought candidates with a history of delivering strong growth through structured business plans and innovative strategies.
• Cultural Fit: Given the family-run nature of the business, we prioritised individuals with a collaborative style who could build strong working relationships and embody the firm’s client-focused approach.

Finalising the Shortlist

We used a systematic process to narrow down the candidate pool to a select shortlist:

1. Relevance to the Role: All shortlisted candidates had experience in senior roles where they managed operational improvements and business growth within a relevant sector.
2. Leadership Skills: We assessed candidates for their ability to inspire teams and create an environment that fosters development and collaboration.
3. Cultural Alignment: Ensuring candidates shared the firm’s emphasis on quality service and teamwork was a priority.
4. References: Final candidates underwent comprehensive reference checks to confirm their suitability, ensuring that their achievements and leadership approach aligned with the firm’s needs.

This process ensured our client had a choice of candidates who were both technically suitable and a strong fit with their values.

The Outcome

Within just over a month, we successfully placed a Managing Director with in-depth knowledge of the property sector, particularly within conveyancing. The chosen candidate had a proven track record of driving business growth and improving operational efficiency in a similar environment.

Since their appointment, the new Managing Director has begun implementing improvements to internal processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency. They are also working closely with the ownership to set out a clear growth plan, including potential expansion into new regions.

Client Success

The firm was impressed with the tailored recruitment process and the successful placement. The new Managing Director’s expertise and approach have enabled the business to confidently progress towards its growth objectives while maintaining its reputation for client care.

Contact Us

Need proven leaders to help your organisation achieve its goals? We provide tailored recruitment support to find the right fit for your business.

Call: 0207 160 6996
Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk