Group Operations Director - Shanly Group

• Apr 2021 - Present

As a board director, I work across many areas within the group, tackling issues that arise in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business that require creative thinking, cross-functional problem solving, and coordination. I am experienced in managing multiple projects simultaneously across the Group. I thrive on presenting new ideas, unafraid to think big, proactive in challenging current practices and thinking innovatively - with the confidence to initiate, drive and deliver change. I am coordinating the Group's strategy for two of the most fundamental changes affecting the house building sector, being the New Homes Quality Code and the requirements of the Building Safety Act. Having identified the opportunity, I am leading a project to maximise the development potential of the airspace above the Group's retained block portfolio. I continue to retain responsibility for the Group's arrangements around governance, privacy/GDPR, dispute resolution and compliance and also act as Company Secretary. I am always looking to drive the continuous improvement of the Shanly Group’s operations and the customer journey, by seeking to implement efficient, cost effective, agile and scalable processes – particularly in relation to leveraging the efficient use of various software systems such as MRI Horizon, ContactBuilder and Clixifix - using my legal experience to negotiate and renegotiate contracts, as required. I am currently overseeing the roll out of group wide IT streamlining, including inter-site connectivity and the introduction of cloud telephony. I have implemented protocols with our professional advisors, setting out our expectations regarding elements such as service levels, costs, billing and matter management, together with agreed fee scales. I have a keen interest in emerging digital technologies, including contract automation and AI. Show less

Legal Director and Group Company Secretary

• Jul 2020 - Mar 2021

Having moved away from private practice to establish a new in-house legal function from scratch, my role was broad and I advised on a wide array of legal issues, including commercial, privacy, transactional, dispute resolution and compliance matters, including managing and supervising work carried out by external lawyers, where required.I put in place new matter management and automatic internal reporting systems leveraging Office365, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to streamline document workflow, allowing colleagues to ‘self-serve’ whilst reducing delays, increasing productivity and improving compliance. Show less

Head of Legal

• Jan 2018 - Jul 2020

In House Solicitor

• Apr 2016 - Dec 2017

(Former) Partner / Member

• Apr 2014 - Mar 2016

I completed my training contract with Allan Janes LLP, eventually becoming one of the youngest partners in the firm's history. Feeling that I wanted to make the most of my legal and earlier career experience, I left private practice to move to Sorbon Estates to become the first in-house legal hire, recognising that I could, in time, build and shape a new legal function.Highlights at Allan Janes LLP:Acted, as part of a team, for the vendors in a share sale of an automotive parts distributor to a venture capital fund, dealing with the property aspects of the deal, including the due diligence raised in respect of its 9 specialist distribution branches.Primary fee earner and client contact in the commercial lettings of a trade association’s flagship office building in Marylebone and dealing with its eventual sale.Acting for a large regional tyre fitting and MOT business in respect of property matters concerning its 21 sites, including the negotiation and drafting of leases with various landlords. Show less

Solicitor

• Jul 2012 - Apr 2014

Trainee Solicitor

• Jun 2010 - Jun 2012

Undertook seats within the Litigation, Employment, Property and Corporate/Commercial teams.

Senior Client Accountant

• Feb 2006 - Jul 2008

Client Accountant

• Nov 2004 - Feb 2006