Head of Legal

Robert Walters UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable UK retail group based in Manchester is seeking an experienced Head of Legal to manage the legal function. The role entails providing strategic legal advice, handling contracts, and managing disputes. Ideal candidates should be qualified solicitors with strong expertise in commercial law and experience working with senior stakeholders. This position offers a salary range of £75,000 - £80,000 and a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience handling disputes and contract negotiation.
• Experience working closely with executive stakeholders.
• Comfortable managing a broad workload across different legal disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.
• Manage litigation and claims for cost-effective outcomes.
• Provide legal guidance on GDPR, advertising standards, and employment law.
• Ensure the business’s intellectual property is protected.
• Collaborate on legal aspects of property transactions.

Skills

Strong expertise in commercial law

Ability to communicate complex legal concepts

Experience with litigation and claims

Experience in contract negotiation

Adaptability and commercial acumen

Education

Qualified solicitor

Substantial post-qualification experience

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Legal to join a fast-growing, well-established UK retail group based. With over 200 stores nationwide and a significant e-commerce platform, this retailer is undergoing continued expansion and innovation across two interconnected business groups.This senior, on-site role offers full responsibility for the legal function, supporting executive leadership and cross-functional teams. You’ll be a trusted adviser on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters, helping shape commercial strategy while safeguarding the company’s operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements including supplier contracts, licensing deals, and consumer-facing terms and conditions.

Dispute Resolution: Manage litigation and claims to secure cost-effective and commercially sound outcomes.

Governance & Compliance: Provide legal guidance on data protection (GDPR), advertising standards, employment law, consumer law, and corporate governance.

Policy Development: Maintain internal policies, staff guidance, and legal precedent documents.

Training & Risk Awareness: Develop legal training materials for non-legal colleagues and promote legal risk awareness across the business.

IP & Brand Protection: Ensure the business’s intellectual property is protected and properly enforced.

Property Support: Collaborate with the Property Director on legal aspects of property transactions and portfolio management.

Legal Strategy: Work directly with the executive team to deliver commercial, pragmatic legal advice that supports strategic goals.

What They’re Looking For:

Qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience at senior level, ideally combining private practice and in-house roles.

Strong expertise in commercial law, with proven experience in handling disputes and contract negotiation.

Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, business-friendly manner.

Experience working closely with executive stakeholders and influencing commercial decisions.

Comfortable managing a broad workload across different legal disciplines.

Retail or property experience is beneficial but not essential — adaptability and commercial acumen are key.

Why Join This Business:

Be the lead legal voice in a respected UK brand known for quality and innovation.

Join a collaborative and inclusive team where your input is valued at board level.

Enjoy a varied and hands-on role where you can influence real business outcomes.

Benefit from a supportive working culture, career development opportunities, and long-term stability as the group continues to grow.

Work in a vibrant head office with direct access to senior stakeholders, allowing you to make an immediate and visible impact.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Legal

Focus: In-house & Generalist

Workplace Type: On-site

Experience Level: Senior Management

Location: Manchester

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Legal

Focus: In-house & Generalist

Industry: Legal

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 per annum

Workplace Type: On-site

Experience Level: Senior Management

Location: Manchester

FULL_TIME

Job Reference: G5YZVM-5A8DEF02

Date posted: 1 August 2025

Consultant: Ciaran O'Neill

northern-west legal/in-house-general 2025-08-01 2025-09-30 legal Manchester Greater Manchester GB GBP 75000 80000 80000 YEAR Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true