Head of Legal (In-House Central Operations)

Butler Rose Ltd; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organization based in Milton Keynes is seeking a Head of Legal to lead its commercial legal function. This role includes managing commercial contracts, ensuring data protection compliance, and overseeing various legal matters while partnering closely with operations. The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with solid in-house experience and a proven track record in contract negotiation. Flexible hybrid working is offered, making it a dynamic opportunity for ambitious legal professionals.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Collaborative culture

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with relevant experience.
• Strong in-house experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Practical working knowledge of UK data protection law and UK GDPR.
• Proven experience leading or managing a small professional team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial contracts function across various agreements.
• Provide drafting, review, and negotiation support on high-value contracts.
• Oversee data protection and compliance issues.
• Embed legal functions into procurement processes.
• Manage trademark and copyright matters.

Skills

Commercial contract drafting and negotiation

UK data protection law

Team management

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx)

Job description

Head of Legal - Commercial, Contracts & Data Protection

Milton Keynes | Hybrid working (2 days office, 3 from home)

This is a standout opportunity for an experienced in‑house legal professional to head up a focused, commercially driven legal function within a well‑established organisation. The remit is deliberately tight and centred on commercial contracts, data protection and close partnership with Central Operations.

Reporting into the Director of Central Operations, you will lead a high‑performing team of four and take ownership of the organisation's commercial legal activity. You will remain hands‑on in the detail, acting as a trusted commercial partner to the business while shaping how the function operates day to day.

Your role will include:

• Leading the commercial contracts function across IT, consultancy, supplier, marketing, sponsorship and collaboration agreements
• Providing hands‑on drafting, review and negotiation support on complex and high‑value contracts
• Strategic oversight of data protection and operational compliance
• Embedding legal into centralised procurement processes
• Managing trademark, copyright and brand protection matters
• Partnering closely with Central Operations and wider stakeholders to support confident commercial decision‑making

This role will appeal to someone who enjoys being close to the commercial engine of an organisation. It does not report into a CEO or CFO, does not sit on the executive board, and does not own the organisation‑wide legal strategy. Instead, it offers genuine ownership of a high‑impact specialist legal function with strong operational influence.

The organisation offers an excellent benefits package, a collaborative culture and flexible hybrid working with two days per week in the Milton Keynes office.

Key qualifications and experience

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx)
• Strong in‑house experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiation
• Practical working knowledge of UK data protection law and UK GDPR
• Proven experience leading or managing a small professional team

If you're an ambitious commercial legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, innovative organisation and wants to make a lasting impact, please do apply to this advert or contact Anthony Tait on 07884 733705 for an initial conversation about the opportunity.

We are expecting a lot of interest in this role, so please do not delay in submitting your application.

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.