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- Tasks: Lead legal operations and ensure compliance while managing a dynamic legal team.
- Company: Join Incommunities, a top social housing provider with over 22,000 homes in Bradford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, training opportunities, gym discounts, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment focused on improving lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 7 years PQE in commercial law and substantial in-house experience.
- Other info: Flexible working with onsite requirements; diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Join a leading social housing provider as Head of Legal Services, overseeing legal operations and ensuring compliance while leading the legal team. This role requires substantial experience in commercial law and offers an opportunity to drive excellence within a dynamic environment. As part of the leadership team, you'll support and advise on complex legal matters, working collaboratively to achieve the organisation's strategic objectives.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years PQE in commercial law required.
- Substantial in-house legal experience within a regulated sector.
- Ability to draft, negotiate, and vet contracts.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee in-house legal operations and ensure compliance.
- Manage legal risks and provide strategic legal counsel.
- Deliver training programmes to mitigate legal risks.
Skills:
- Leadership
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Strategic thinking
Education:
- Qualified lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister)
Duties include:
- Ensure service delivery is aligned with the organisation’s strategy and within risk appetite.
- Ensure performance of legal services is in line with statutory timescales, service aims and targets.
- Oversee the in-house Litigation (Disrepair and Housing) and Conveyancing teams (including Home Sales), ensuring these teams deliver an efficient and effective service that is high performing and operates within budget.
- Oversee and monitor legal activity whilst ensuring compliance with our newly developed legal framework and procurement regulations in the commissioning of external legal advice, ensuring value for money is achieved as a result.
- Senior level reporting to the Directors and ELT on key legal matters and legislation as well as appropriate escalation when required.
- Point of contact for our partner law firms - holding quarterly review meetings to ensure high quality of service is provided within their terms of engagement as well as optimising their added value services.
- Establish a robust and effective legal framework which aims to optimise internal legal expertise whilst putting in place robust checks and balances for the commissioning of external legal advice – achieving value for money and a high quality of service from external law firms.
- Act as the senior legal counsel in the organisation with a specialism in commercial law, you will support and advise the organisation on relevant legal matters and in particular, complex contractual matters and negotiations.
- Work with other senior leaders, lead in the drafting, negotiating and vetting relevant contracts as well as providing support and training to internal teams as required.
- Deliver a bespoke legal training programme, with the help from external lawyers, that helps mitigate our key risks and keeps us ‘safe’.
- Effectively manage both strategic and operational legal risks within the established risk tolerance.
- Ensure cost controls, managing budgets and mitigating financial risks but also escalating matters when risks exceed their appetite.
- Oversee legal activity including budgeting, forecasting and horizon scanning future risks.
- Ensure the team are performance focussed via clear milestones and KPIs for service area, holding stakeholders accountable for meeting legal requirements and statutory deadlines.
Salary of up to £85,000 per year. 28 days annual leave which increases with service plus bank holidays. Training, development, and qualification opportunities. Access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Cycle to work scheme. Local gym membership discounts. A team of trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available for colleagues to contact for support.
Join Our Team! We’re looking for great people to join us! At Incommunities, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and supported. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences—because we know that diverse perspectives make us stronger.
Based in Bradford, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, we serve vibrant communities. As a social housing provider, we’re passionate about making a real difference by providing safe, affordable homes and improving lives.
Our recruitment process is designed to support you every step of the way. If you need any adjustments or assistance, just let us know. We’re proud to be a Mindful Employer, committed to mental health and wellbeing. We also hold the ‘Committed’ Menopause Friendly Accreditation, recognising the importance of support in the workplace.
Apply early! We review applications as they come in and may close the advert before the deadline. Ready to make an impact? Come work with us!
Head of Legal Services employer: Incommunities Group
Contact Detail:
Incommunities Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social housing sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and leaders in the field. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in commercial law, particularly as it pertains to social housing. Being well-versed in current legislation and compliance requirements will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage legal teams effectively. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led a team through complex legal challenges, as this will be crucial for the Head of Legal Services position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Incommunities' mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to providing high-quality homes and services will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your vision matches theirs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in commercial law, particularly your in-house legal experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage legal risks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for social housing and how your background aligns with the organisation's mission. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, and mention any relevant training programmes you've delivered.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements related to contract negotiation and compliance in your application. Quantify your successes where possible, such as cost savings or efficiency improvements you have implemented in previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors and that your writing is clear and concise. This reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Incommunities Group
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in commercial law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Head of Legal Services.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a key member of the leadership team, it's crucial to exhibit your leadership qualities. Share examples of how you've led teams, managed legal operations, and delivered training programmes in the past. This will show that you can effectively guide the legal team at Incommunities.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Familiarise yourself with Incommunities' strategic objectives and be ready to discuss how your legal expertise can align with and support these goals. This shows that you're not just focused on legal compliance but also on contributing to the organisation's overall success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's legal framework, challenges they face, and their expectations for the role. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
