Head of Legal Services

ACCENT housing; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused housing organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Legal Services to shape its legal function. This role involves leading a small team, managing legal partnerships, and providing strategic legal advice primarily in commercial law. Candidates must be qualified solicitors or barristers with significant legal experience. This permanent position offers a salary of £82,370 per annum and a hybrid working model with travel as needed.

Benefits

28 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes

Life assurance at three times the salary

Employee discounts and access to online GP services

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a senior in-house lawyer.
• Ability to assess complex legal issues.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal team and manage external partnerships.
• Review legal services model and drive improvements.
• Work with senior leaders to embed a collaborative legal culture.

Skills

Commercial law expertise

Analytical skills

Management skills

Exceptional writing and communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Post-qualification experience

Job description

Head of Legal Services

A place to make things happen

Location: Bradford or Peterborough Hybrid 1-2 days in the office with travel to other offices for meetings as required.

Salary: 82370 per annum

Permanent 35 hours per week Monday Friday 9am to 5pm

With over 21000 homes across the country were responsible for supporting thousands of customers and their families.

We’re proud to build positive long‑lasting relationships that go beyond housing. The work we do supports our customers and creates vibrant communities where people of all backgrounds can thrive.

We’re also proud to be at the forefront of change. We’re on a journey of transformation finding new ways to support our customers – and our people.

If you’re looking for a career where you can be part of change, share your ideas and help us transform, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us and shape our future.

About the role

This is a strategic role where you’ll shape Accents legal function to meet the needs of a modern purpose‑driven organisation. You’ll lead a small team, manage external legal partnerships and work in partnership with the business to deliver expert advice that enables confident decision‑making and mitigates risk.

With a focus on commercial law and the legal frameworks of the social housing sector you’ll review our legal services model, drive service improvements and ensure value for money. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed a proactive collaborative legal culture across the business.

Join us and take the lead in shaping a robust legal function that underpins our mission and values.

To view / download the Head of Legal Services job description please click here.

Salary

The spot salary for the Head of Legal Services post is 82370 per annum for applicants who fully meet the requirements of the post. Applicants who do not meet all the requirements of the post will start 5% or 10% below the spot salary.

About you

• Solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualified lawyer with substantial post‑qualification experience
• Extensive experience as a senior in‑house lawyer within a regulated sector with specialist knowledge in commercial and/or sector‑specific law and the right to practice law in this jurisdiction.
• In‑depth legal expertise with an understanding of legal principles and practices with evidence of continued professional development (CPD) commensurate with the requirements of the role.
• A strategic mindset with experience in business planning, performance management and value.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills demonstrating your ability to assess and understand complex legal issues and provide strategic advice.
• Natural leadership, management and influencing skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and maintain probity and professional standards at all times.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to deliver succinct presentations or advice to senior leaders and the wider organisation.

Interviews

We want your candidate experience to reflect who we are – a place to grow, a place to thrive, a place to be you.

Stage 1: A Place to Connect

A 45 minute interview with the hiring manager. You’ll learn more about the role and team and we’ll get to know your experience, goals and what you bring.

Planned date: 25th September via Teams.

Stage 2: A Place to Show Your Strengths

You’ll deliver a presentation to the panel and have your final interview which will focus on how you apply your knowledge to real‑life situations. You’ll be asked to complete a Congruity Questionnaire in advance.

Planned date: 3rd October at our Peterborough office or 6th October at our Bradford office.

We aim to make the process clear, supportive and genuinely valuable – a place where you feel informed and confident at every step.

A place to build a future

We have big ambitions. That means we need people who are driven to succeed and eager to grow. Here you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills, thrive in our collaborative environment and take your career in different directions. We also support your health and wellbeing with 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time), an extra day to celebrate your birthday and the option to purchase more access to an online GP gym, discounts and a dedicated day to volunteer for a cause that matters to you.

And because we believe in supporting you now and in the future, this is a place to plan for your future with access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, helping you save more efficiently. We also provide life assurance at three times your salary for all colleagues, giving you added peace of mind.

If you require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process please let us know – we will ensure requirements are met.

Please don’t delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or we receive a high volume of applications we may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated.

If you have any queries about the role please email :

Please note candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK. Accent does not currently hold a sponsorship licence.

If you’re looking for a place you can make a positive difference to society, to our organisation and to your future, apply now.

Recruitment Agencies

We work exclusively with partners on our preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.

Required Experience

Director

Key Skills

Marketing & Promotions, Attorney At Law, Jni, Airlines, Art

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1