Interim Head of Legal - First Legal Hire

Michael Page Legal; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected not-for-profit housing provider is seeking a Head of Legal to design their first in-house legal function in a 3-month interim role, with potential for permanency. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders, establishing legal frameworks, and making a significant social impact in the Midlands.

Benefits

Unique opportunity to establish a new legal function

High-level visibility and influence from day one

Flexible, agile working environment

Qualifications

• Solicitor with proven experience in building in-house legal teams.
• Experience in tendering and managing external law firm panels.
• Skilled in compliance and governance in housing-related legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing the first in-house legal team.
• Advising on governance, compliance, and risk frameworks.
• Planning and establishing legal systems, processes, and procedures.

Skills

Building in-house legal teams

Engaging senior stakeholders

Developing legal operations

Tendering and managing law firm panels

Compliance and governance

Strategic thinking

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

As Head of Legal, you'll design and lead the legal function for a respected housing provider in a 3-month interim role (4 days/week, £500-600/day, outside IR35), with strong potential to move into a permanent position.

Client Details

This award-winning, not-for-profit housing provider manages thousands of homes across the Midlands. With a strong social mission, they reinvest profits into community initiatives, sustainability projects, and affordable housing developments. Recognised for employee engagement and inclusive values, they offer a collaborative, agile working culture and a real opportunity to make a social impact while shaping a brand-new legal function.

Description

The Head of Legal will be:

• Designing and implementing the organisation's first in-house legal team
• Interviewing key stakeholders to assess legal needs and current arrangements
• Drafting role profiles for new legal positions
• Planning and establishing systems, processes, and procedures
• Leading the re-tender process for appointing panel law firms
• Advising on governance, compliance, and risk frameworks
• Supporting strategic goals around development and service delivery

Profile

The Head of Legal should be:

• A solicitor (or equivalent) with proven experience of building in-house legal teams
• Confident in engaging senior stakeholders and assessing organisational legal needs
• Skilled in developing legal operations, systems, and procedures
• Experienced in tendering and managing external law firm panels
• Adept in compliance, governance, and housing-related legal matters
• A strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal skills

Job Offer

• Interim contract: 4 days/week for 3 months, £500-600/day, outside IR35
• Unique opportunity to establish a new legal function
• High-level visibility and influence from day one
• Potential for the role to become permanent
• Work with a mission-led, nationally recognised organisation committed to inclusion, innovation, and community investment
• Flexible, agile working environment with real impact

If you're an experienced Head of Legal, apply now or contact Michael Bailey for more information.