Legal Counsel & Company Secretary

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Remote; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK healthcare provider seeks an experienced Legal Counsel & Company Secretary to manage contracts, advise on regulatory compliance, and support governance. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years of PQE in health care and strong contract negotiation skills. This senior leadership role offers remote flexibility and is integral to shaping organizational strategy in mental health services. Join a team committed to diversity and patient-centered care.

Benefits

Significant influence on organizational strategy

Flexible remote work

Collaborative culture

Competitive remuneration and benefits package

Qualifications

• At least 8 years' PQE in a healthcare-related field.
• Experience advising within a CQC-regulated organization.
• Strong knowledge of NHS tenders and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review a range of commercial and clinical contracts.
• Advise on tenders and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and data protection.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Contract drafting and negotiation

Corporate governance knowledge

Communication skills

Data protection expertise

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Barrister

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel & Company Secretary to join a leading UK organisation delivering mental health and neurodevelopmental services.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial and clinical contracts including NHS agreements, private medical contracts, supplier and vendor contracts, IT software contracts and contracts with commercial entities.
• Advise on tenders, bids and strategic partnerships to support business development and growth.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, risk management and data protection (GDPR), working closely with governance and compliance teams.
• Act as Company Secretary, supporting the Board and senior leadership with robust governance, statutory filings and effective board meetings.
• Provide strategic legal input on expansion plans, new service lines, mergers and acquisitions.
• Communicate effectively and work autonomously in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Barrister with at least 8 years' PQE and a proven track record advising within a CQC‑regulated or other healthcare organisation (private, NHS or mixed‑sector).
• Comfortable operating in a high‑growth, fast‑changing environment; able to work independently and take ownership of legal matters.
• Extensive experience of contract drafting, negotiation and review across commercial and clinical agreements.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance and experience acting as Company Secretary or governance advisor.
• Familiarity with NHS tenders, procurement processes and healthcare regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in data protection, risk management and litigation.
• Strategic thinking and excellent communication skills.
• Background in corporate governance ideally having served or supported a Board or Executive Team as Company Secretary or governance advisor (desirable but not essential).
• Strong commercial experience gained within a regulated sector.

Benefits

• Senior leadership role with significant influence on organisational strategy.
• Remote work with flexibility.
• Collaborative, values‑driven culture committed to diversity, inclusion and patient‑centred care.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Ready to take the next step? If you are an experienced legal professional with a passion for governance and healthcare, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of mental health and neurodevelopmental services.

Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal for further information on this opportunity.