Head of Legal

Confidential Careers; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-driven organisation is seeking a Head of Legal to lead its legal function. This strategic role involves managing legal operations, providing expert advice on corporate governance, and ensuring compliance in a private equity-backed environment. The position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape legal operations during a period of growth.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in a private equity-backed organisation.
• Proven ability to influence at board level and manage legal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring robust support across the business.
• Provide expert legal advice on corporate transactions, including M&A and due diligence.
• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts and legal documents.

Skills

Corporate Law

M&A

Commercial Contracts

Risk Management

Employment Law

Data Protection

Education

UK Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

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Greater Manchester, North West, United Kingdom

Up to £100,000 + benefits | Hybrid (North West HQ 1-2 days/week)

An established, mission-driven organisation operating nationally is seeking a commercially minded Head of Legal to lead its legal function. This is a strategic leadership role with executive-level visibility and influence across the organisation.

As the organisation continues its growth journey, including under private equity ownership, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping its legal function and corporate governance, with a particular focus on commercial operations, risk management, and M&A activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring robust and responsive support across the business.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team and private equity stakeholders on matters such as corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk.
• Provide expert legal advice and hands-on support across corporate transactions (including M&A), due diligence, and group structuring.
• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts, legal documents, and key agreements, including oversight of annual insurance arrangements.
• Develop and implement legal and data protection policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned to best practices and evolving legislation.
• Identify legal risks and opportunities across business operations, working proactively with stakeholders to address them.
• Provide legal oversight of employment-related matters, liaising with internal and external partners as needed.
• Support the DPO to monitor internal compliance and provide advice on data protection obligations and risks.
• Oversee engagement with external legal counsel, including management of litigation or complex legal matters.
• Stay informed of legal and regulatory developments, particularly in relation to private equity environments.

What We’re Looking For

• UK qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practising certificate.
• Significant post-qualification experience, including demonstrable in-house legal leadership within a private equity-backed organisation or similar fast-paced, acquisitive environment.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, M&A, commercial contracts, risk management, employment law, and data protection.
• Experience overseeing or supporting corporate transactions, including deal structuring and legal due diligence.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders and influence at board level.
• Experience managing legal teams or support functions.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to align legal advice with strategic business objectives.
• Exposure to group-level structures or multi-entity organisations.
• Track record of building legal frameworks from the ground up or improving existing governance models.
• A forward-thinking, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to ethical practice and continuous learning.

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to lead the legal function of a values-led, private equity-backed organisation undergoing an exciting period of transformation and growth. The role offers meaningful work, autonomy, and the chance to shape legal operations in a fast-evolving, commercially focused environment.

The position is offered on a hybrid basis, with 1-2 days per week required at the North West head office. A competitive salary of up to £100,000 and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience.