Head of Legal

JR United Kingdom; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail and hospitality sector seeks a Head of Legal to shape and direct their legal strategy. This role combines legal leadership and commercial influence, requiring strategic thinking and strong stakeholder management. Join a forward-thinking business with an entrepreneurial culture and significant growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong PQE in commercial and/or corporate law.
• Previous exposure in retail/hospitality or similar.
• Experience leading and mentoring legal teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage the in-house legal function.
• Lead commercial contract negotiations.
• Provide strategic counsel to leadership and the Board.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Excellent communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or equivalent

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

? Head of Legal – High-Growth, Forward-Thinking Business

? Retail/Hospitality

? London – Hybrid working

Are you a senior legal professional ready to shape and lead the legal strategy of a rapidly growing business? This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious company operating in an exciting and dynamic sector as their Head of Legal.

Our client is a forward-thinking and fast-growing organisation, redefining what’s possible in their sector. With an entrepreneurial culture, strong commercial drive, and people focused culture, they offer a collaborative and high-impact environment where professionals can thrive and grow alongside the business.

As Head of Legal you will lead the function and provide expert, strategic legal advice across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with senior leaders, this is a role that blends legal leadership with commercial influence.

What will you be doing?

• Establish and manage the in-house legal function to support business growth
• Lead commercial contract negotiations and advise on complex matters
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership and the Board on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters
• Evaluate and manage legal risk, creating options to resolve complex problems and enabling commercial flexibility
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
• Lead, grow and mentor the team

You’ll be a senior legal leader with a commercial mindset and a proven track record of navigating complex legal matters in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments.

What experience do you need?

• A qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with strong PQE in commercial and/or corporate law
• Experience leading and scaling legal functions within ambitious organisations
• Strategic thinking with the ability to advise on risk, governance, and commercial opportunity
• Commercial acumen and experience contributing to business development and growth
• Previous exposure in the retail/hospitality sector or similar operational environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels

If you are interested in understanding more about this Head of Legal position then please apply for a confidential conversation.