Head of Legal

Michael Page Legal; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page Legal in Lancashire seeks an experienced Head of Legal to lead a newly formed joint venture, overseeing international operations and shaping legal, ethics and compliance strategy. You will advise senior leadership on complex commercial contracts, corporate matters and strategic initiatives.

You will drive governance, data protection, IP and trade control frameworks, manage legal risk across jurisdictions, and influence stakeholders at the highest levels in a fast-paced, globally

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE in-house and/or private practice environments.
• Experience negotiating and advising on complex international commercial contracts.
• Strong expertise in governance, risk management and compliance.
• Knowledgeable in data protection, IP and trade control regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all legal affairs for a newly formed joint venture with international operations.
• Advise senior leadership on complex commercial contracts, corporate matters and strategic initiatives.
• Drive ethics, compliance and governance frameworks across the organisation.
• Oversee data protection, intellectual property and trade control matters to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage legal risk and support commercial decision-making across multiple jurisdictions.

Skills

In-house / private practice experience

Leadership

Commercial contracts

Governance & risk

Data protection

Intellectual property

Trade compliance

Stakeholder influence

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Legal to join a globally recognised organisation in Lancashire, leading the legal function of an innovative joint venture business. This is a high-profile leadership role offering significant exposure to senior stakeholders and the chance to shape legal, ethics and compliance strategy on an international scale.

Client Details

Our client is a highly respected global engineering and technology business operating in a complex, highly regulated international environment. Renowned for innovation, long-term investment in its people and a strong purpose-driven culture, the organisation is committed to developing talent, encouraging collaboration and fostering an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive. The business places significant emphasis on integrity, innovation, professional development and employee wellbeing, making it an attractive destination for ambitious legal professionals seeking both challenge and career progression.

Description

The Head of Legal will be:

• Leading all legal affairs for a newly formed joint venture business with international operations.
• Advising senior leadership on complex commercial contracts, corporate matters and strategic business initiatives.
• Driving ethics, compliance and governance frameworks across the organisation.
• Overseeing intellectual property, data protection and trade control matters to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Managing legal risk and supporting commercial decision-making across multiple jurisdictions.

Profile

The Head of Legal & Compliance should be:

• A solicitor or equivalent with 8+ years' PQE gained within in-house and/or private practice environments.
• Experienced in negotiating and advising on complex international commercial contracts.
• Able to demonstrate strong expertise across corporate affairs, compliance, governance and risk management.
• Knowledgeable in data protection, intellectual property and trade control regulations.
• Comfortable operating at senior leadership level and influencing key stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, pragmatic and capable of working in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Experienced in leading legal strategy and supporting complex business operations.

Job Offer

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a globally recognised employer at a pivotal stage in the growth of a new venture. Alongside a competitive salary dependent on experience, you'll have the chance to take ownership of a broad and strategically important legal remit while working alongside senior business leaders.

The successful candidate can expect:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Exposure to complex, high-value international legal matters.
• Significant autonomy and visibility within the business.
• Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities.
• A collaborative and inclusive working culture.
• Long-term career progression within a major global organisation.

This is far more than a legal advisory role; it's an opportunity to influence business strategy, shape governance frameworks and lead legal excellence within a globally respected organisation.