Head Of Legal Services

Law Staff Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal service provider in Manchester is seeking a Head of Legal Services to lead their Legal Department. This role involves shaping strategy, managing a dedicated legal team, and providing high-level legal advice. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in employment law and team leadership. Attractive benefits include a competitive salary, generous holiday, and excellent pension scheme.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

24 days holiday

Excellent pension scheme

Generous sick pay

Strong professional development

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex legal caseloads and advocacy experience.
• Able to manage staff and drive departmental performance.
• Willing to travel and work flexibly when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of all legal services across the organisation.
• Manage a team of lawyers and support staff.
• Advise senior leadership on major legal matters.
• Develop legal policy and respond to consultations.
• Draft high-level legal documentation.

Skills

Strong background in employment and industrial law

Leadership experience

Excellent written communication

Ability to handle urgent, confidential matters

Ability to build relationships

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Overview

Our client is seeking a Head of Legal Services to lead their Legal Department from Head Office. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Head of Legal Services to shape strategy, manage a dedicated legal team, and provide high-level legal advice to the organisation. Offering a competitive salary and an excellent package including generous holidays, pension scheme and superb employee benefits.

About the Firm: My client is a respected national organisation, committed to supporting its members and delivering a high-quality legal service. With a strong focus on employment and industrial relations matters, they offer a collaborative culture, strategic influence, and the ability to make a genuine impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of all legal services across the organisation.
• Manage a team of lawyers and support staff; oversee external panel firms.
• Advise senior leadership on major legal matters including employment issues, litigation, strategic policy and governance.
• Develop legal policy and respond to consultations.
• Draft high-level legal documentation and provide strategic reporting.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across legal workstreams.

Key Responsibilities of the Head of Legal Services

• Manage and direct the Legal Department and its strategic plan.
• Oversee the delivery of legal services to members, officers, and the organisation.
• Lead and develop the legal team, including recruitment and performance management.
• Oversee and manage personal injury, employment and “legal plus” caseloads.
• Advise on internal legal issues including governance, rule book compliance, employment matters and disputes.
• Represent the organisation at tribunals, courts and external bodies.
• Manage relationships and service delivery with panel law firms.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister.
• Strong background in employment and industrial law.
• Experience managing complex legal caseloads and advocacy experience.
• Leadership experience — able to manage staff and drive departmental performance.
• Ability to work independently and handle urgent, confidential matters effectively.
• Excellent written communication and policy-drafting skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Willing to travel and work flexibly when required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• 24 days holiday rising to 32 days with service plus bank holidays.
• Excellent pension scheme including final salary option after qualifying period.
• Generous sick pay and family-friendly policies.
• Strong professional development and leadership growth.
• National role with strategic influence and visibility.