Head of Legal

JR United Kingdom; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established, mission-driven organisation is seeking a commercially minded Head of Legal to lead its legal function. This strategic leadership role offers executive-level visibility and the opportunity to provide expert legal guidance across various matters, including contracts, compliance, and corporate governance. The successful candidate will manage a capable legal team and influence legal operations during a transformative period. Join a values-led organisation that values autonomy and meaningful work, and make a significant impact while shaping legal operations in a purposeful setting.

Qualifications

• UK qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders and influence across diverse organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring robust support across the business.
• Draft, negotiate, and review contracts and legal documents.

Skills

Legal Expertise

Commercial Contracts

Risk Management

Employment Law

Data Protection

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Education

UK Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

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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 influence across the organisation and executive-level visibility.

The successful candidate will provide expert legal guidance across a range of matters — from contracts and compliance to employment, corporate governance, and risk — while managing a small but capable legal team, including the organisation’s DPO.

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 on matters such as corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk.
• Draft, negotiate and review contracts, legal documents and key commercial agreements, including oversight of annual insurance arrangements.
• Develop and implement legal and data protection policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned to best practice 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.
• Keep abreast of legal and regulatory developments.

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 (experience in regulated sectors is advantageous).
• Strong understanding of commercial contracts, risk management, employment law, and data protection.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders and influence across a diverse organisation.
• 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 pivotal opportunity to lead the legal function of a values-led organisation undergoing a period of transformation and growth. The role offers meaningful work, autonomy, and the chance to shape legal operations in a purposeful setting.

The position is offered on a hybrid basis, with 2–3 days per week required at the North West head office. A competitive salary of up to £120,000 and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience.