Director of Legal & Governance

Novo Executive Search & Selection Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the world of sailing is seeking a Director of Legal & Governance. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with legal standards, providing strategic guidance, and leading a team to uphold governance excellence. The ideal candidate will be a practicing solicitor with substantial experience in sports law, corporate governance, and contract management. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in a globally recognized organization while collaborating with senior stakeholders and managing legal affairs. If you're a strong negotiator with excellent communication skills and a passion for governance, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Practicing solicitor with substantial legal experience.
• Experience in-house for international federations or sports bodies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement legal and governance strategies.
• Advise senior management on legal issues and compliance.
• Manage legal affairs including contracts and litigation.

Skills

Legal Compliance

Contract Management

Intellectual Property

Sports Law

Corporate Governance

Negotiation

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Solicitor Qualification in England & Wales

Job description

About the job

Director of Legal & Governance

World Sailing

Flexible Location (Travel to London x2 days per week)

Competitive Base Salary + Package

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC). World Sailing is responsible for: promoting the sport internationally, managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and regulations for all sailing competitions, training judges, umpires and administrators, developing the sport globally, and representing sailors in all sport-related matters.

The Requirement – Director of Legal & Governance

World Sailing seeks to recruit a new Director of Legal and Governance. This person will be responsible for ensuring adherence to legal and governance standards, providing strategic guidance, and leading a team to manage these functions effectively. The Director will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Core responsibilities include:

1. Developing and implementing the organization's legal and governance strategy.
2. Advising senior management on legal and governance issues.
3. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
4. Supporting the Board, Senior Management Team, Council, Committees, and Judicial Board on governance, regulations, sport integrity, and risk management to uphold high standards.
5. Managing legal affairs such as contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
6. Providing legal advice on contracts, intellectual property, sports law, data protection, and other regulatory matters.
7. Coordinating with external legal advisors and counsel.
8. Overseeing governance frameworks to ensure clarity and accountability.
9. Supporting the board in governance responsibilities.
10. Ensuring compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements.
11. Identifying and assessing legal and governance risks.
12. Developing risk mitigation strategies.

Experience & Traits Needed

Suitable candidates will:

• Be practicing solicitors in England & Wales (or equivalent in a common law jurisdiction).
• Have substantial experience as a practicing lawyer.
• Have worked in-house for international federations, sports bodies, or similar organizations.
• Demonstrate experience in at least three of the following areas: contracts, employment, intellectual property, sports law, or corporate governance.
• Possess excellent written and verbal English skills.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of advising senior stakeholders.
• Be strong negotiators.
• Have excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Be team players.
• Be willing and able to undertake international travel with notice.