At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AAB's first in-house legal function and manage all legal matters.
- Company: Join a fast-growing professional services group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for part-time or full-time engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AAB's legal strategy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong corporate law and M&A experience.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: UK (hybrid; travel to AAB offices across the UK & Ireland as required)
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Contract: Permanent, full-time or part-time
About AAB
AAB is a fast-growing professional services group operating across the UK and Ireland. With a strong acquisitive strategy and ambitious growth plans, we are strengthening our internal capabilities to support scale, integration, and long-term value creation. As part of this evolution, we are creating AAB’s first inhouse legal function.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Legal will establish and lead the Group’s inhouse legal function, acting as the primary point of contact for all legal matters across the business. The role may be structured on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the successful candidate and organisational needs. While legal work will continue to be delivered predominantly through external law firms, the Head of Legal will provide the oversight, coordination, and commercial judgement needed to ensure legal advice is consistent, proportionate, and aligned with the Group’s objectives. The role will own the Group’s target corporate structure, support M&A activity, advise on contracts and wider commercial matters, and work closely with the Risk & Compliance team to identify and manage legal risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Establishing the In-House Legal Function
- Serve as AAB’s first inhouse legal lead and primary contact for all legal matters.
- Define how external legal advisers are engaged, including scope, quality, pace, and cost management.
- Develop proportionate legal processes, templates, and playbooks suited to a lean internal model.
- Corporate Structure & Governance
- Own and maintain the Group’s target corporate and legal structure.
- Advise on corporate governance matters, supporting the CFO and senior leadership.
- Oversee company secretarial requirements through external advisers where appropriate.
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Provide legal leadership across all stages of the M&A lifecycle.
- Coordinate and manage external legal advisers throughout transactions.
- Support post-acquisition integration from a legal and structural perspective.
- Contracts & Commercial Support
- Advise on commercial and contractual matters, working closely with:
- Head of Procurement on supplier and third-party contracts
- Head of Real Estate & Facilities on property and lease agreements
- Business unit leaders on client, operational, and partnership contracts
- Review and oversee key contracts, escalating to external specialists where required.
- Maintain and develop standard contract templates and guidance.
- Risk, Compliance & Legal Advisory
- Work with Risk & Compliance to identify and manage legal risks.
- Provide legal input into policies, frameworks, and control mechanisms.
- Manage disputes and contentious matters through external counsel.
- Oversee external legal spend and adviser relationships.
- Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice aligned with AAB’s commercial objectives and risk appetite.
- Support legal budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience
- Qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience.
- Strong background in corporate law and M&A.
- Experience in a senior advisory capacity (inhouse or private practice).
- Proven ability to manage external law firms.
- Broad commercial legal experience, including drafting and negotiation.
Personal Attributes
- Commercial, pragmatic, and solutions focused.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, acquisitive environment.
- Confident in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Strong prioritisation and multitasking skills.
Additional Information
This will remain a strategically focused and lean legal function, with delivery largely supported by external advisers. The remit of the role will evolve as AAB continues to grow and integrate newly acquired businesses. The position may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis. This search is being led by our in-house Executive Search team. We are not partnering with external agencies for this appointment and respectfully request that unsolicited CVs are not submitted.
Head of Legal employer: AAB
AAB is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong focus on establishing its first in-house legal function, employees will have the unique opportunity to shape legal processes and contribute to the company's ambitious growth plans across the UK and Ireland. The hybrid working model, combined with a culture that values collaboration and strategic thinking, ensures that team members can thrive while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into AAB or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AAB’s recent M&A activities and their corporate structure. Show us you’re not just a legal whiz but also someone who understands their business goals and how you can help achieve them.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get that interview, don’t just talk about your qualifications. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed external law firms or led legal functions in the past. We love hearing about real-world experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of AAB’s exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in corporate law and M&A, as well as any relevant advisory roles you've held. We want to see how you can fit into our fast-paced environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Legal role at AAB. Share specific examples of how you've managed legal matters and worked with external advisers in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, make sure to demonstrate your commercial mindset. Discuss how you've provided pragmatic legal advice that aligns with business objectives. We’re looking for someone who can think strategically and add value to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining AAB!
How to prepare for a job interview at AAB
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your corporate law and M&A knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences where you've successfully navigated legal challenges, especially in a fast-paced environment like AAB's.
✨Understand AAB's Vision
Familiarise yourself with AAB’s growth strategy and how the in-house legal function will support it. Show that you understand their objectives and can align legal advice with their commercial goals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would engage with senior stakeholders, including the CFO and other leaders. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Head of Legal position.
✨Demonstrate Your Pragmatic Approach
Be ready to showcase your solutions-focused mindset. Discuss how you've developed legal processes or templates that are efficient and effective, particularly in managing external legal advisers and costs.
