Head of Legal

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading values-driven, private equity-backed organization is seeking a Head of Legal to lead its legal function. This strategic role involves shaping legal operations and corporate governance amidst significant growth. Responsibilities include managing legal teams, advising on corporate governance and M&A activities, and ensuring compliance within a fast-paced environment while providing expert legal advice.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in-house legal leadership within a private equity-backed organization.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders and influence at board level.
• Experience managing legal teams and supporting corporate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring robust support across the business.
• Act as a trusted advisor on corporate governance and strategic risk.
• Provide oversight of M&A, contract drafting, and legal compliance.

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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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 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.
• 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.