Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London
Interim Head of Legal (Commercial)

Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London

City of London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ardmore Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the in-house legal team and provide commercial legal advice on construction projects.
  • Company: Join Ardmore, a leading construction firm delivering ambitious projects in London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health cover.
  • Why this job: Shape the legal function and make a real impact in a dynamic construction environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong construction law experience and team leadership skills.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

At Ardmore, we deliver some of London’s most ambitious residential, commercial and hotel projects. We are looking for a Head of Legal to lead our in-house Legal team, providing practical and commercially focused advice across a broad range of construction and business matters. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced construction lawyer who enjoys working closely with operational and commercial teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role is focused on leading and developing the legal team, acting as a trusted point of escalation for the business, and ensuring Ardmore has reliable, high-quality legal support across the full project lifecycle. Reporting into senior leadership, you will oversee the in-house Legal team, including senior solicitors, junior solicitors, paralegals and other legal professionals. You will play a key role in supporting the business on legal risk, contracts, disputes and governance, while ensuring the team is well-managed, well-supported and aligned with business needs.

  • Leading, mentoring and developing the in-house Legal team
  • Acting as a senior point of contact and escalation for legal and contractual issues across the business
  • Supporting the Board, senior management and project teams with practical and commercially focused legal advice
  • Overseeing the review, negotiation and management of construction contracts and related documents
  • Supporting the business on a range of legal and risk matters across the full project lifecycle
  • Overseeing disputes and claims across the Group, including adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation
  • Ensuring robust legal processes, governance and contract administration standards are in place
  • Helping drive consistency, best practice and continuous improvement across the legal function
  • Providing training and guidance to colleagues and supporting the development of the wider team

You will be a qualified solicitor with strong construction law experience gained in private practice and/or in-house. Proven experience leading, managing or mentoring legal teams. Strong experience across non-contentious and contentious construction matters. Good knowledge of construction contracts and associated legal documentation. The ability to provide clear, balanced and commercially aware legal guidance across a broad range of issues. Strong judgement, communication and stakeholder management skills.

This is an opportunity to lead and shape an in-house legal function within a leading construction business, where you will play a key role in supporting the business, developing the legal team and helping ensure Ardmore continues to receive pragmatic, reliable and commercially focused legal support.

Qualified solicitor with a background in construction law, and with substantial experience in the construction industry. Proven track record of advising senior management on legal and compliance issues. In-depth knowledge of English construction law, the key forms of dispute resolution (including adjudication), and corporate governance. Strong negotiation skills, with experience in handling complex construction contracts and managing disputes. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives. Experience in managing and developing a legal team. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal matters to colleagues.

Ardmore are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy or maternity.

Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London employer: Ardmore Group

Ardmore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive and make a significant impact on high-profile construction projects in London. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, medical cover, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, Ardmore provides a rewarding platform for legal experts to lead and mentor a talented team while ensuring the delivery of top-notch legal support across the business.
Ardmore Group

Contact Detail:

Ardmore Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Ardmore and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the construction industry. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Legal, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle complex contracts and disputes. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London

Construction Law
Legal Team Leadership
Contract Negotiation
Dispute Resolution
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Awareness
Legal Risk Management
Communication Skills
Mentoring and Development
Judgement
Strategic Thinking
English Construction Law
Adjudication
Corporate Governance
Complex Contract Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the Head of Legal role. Highlight your construction law expertise and any leadership experience you've had in managing legal teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Ardmore. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored others in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and develop a legal team!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ardmore Group

✨Know Your Construction Law Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of English construction law and the key forms of dispute resolution. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues in construction, as this will show your expertise and confidence.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader of the in-house Legal team, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in managing and mentoring legal professionals. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment at Ardmore.

✨Be Commercially Savvy

Ardmore is looking for someone who can provide practical and commercially focused legal advice. Think about how you've balanced legal risks with business objectives in previous roles, and be ready to share those insights during the interview.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to contract negotiations or disputes, and think through your approach to resolving these issues while keeping the company's best interests in mind.

Interim Head of Legal (Commercial) in City of London
Ardmore Group
Location: City of London

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