At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented legal team and provide expert advice on complex commercial matters.
- Company: Join the UK's number one motoring organisation with over 100 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a fast-moving business and drive impactful legal strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong experience in commercial law and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)
Employment Type: Full time / Permanent
Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance
For over 100 years, we’ve continued to evolve and adapt. Today, as the nation’s number one motoring organisation, we offer a range of excellent products and services to millions of customers from roadside assistance to home and motor insurance as well as providing the latest driving technologies. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, you’ll play a key part in our success and join us on this exciting motoring journey.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal leader to play a key role at the heart of a large, fast-moving UK business. Acting as the trusted legal adviser to senior business leaders, you will become an integral member of the legal leadership team. You’ll provide commercially focused advice across complex commercial, operational and technology matters including strategic partnerships, procurement, digital services, customer propositions, AI governance, intellectual property, disputes and strategic business activity. You’ll lead and develop a talented legal team, shaping how legal support is delivered and helping the business make confident, well-informed decisions at pace.
What will I be doing?
- Providing trusted, commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of operational, commercial and regulatory matters, helping the business make confident and well-informed decisions.
- Acting as a trusted adviser to senior business leaders, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives and supporting strategic decision-making.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating high-value, complex commercial contracts, ensuring the business is protected while securing strong commercial outcomes.
- Advising on strategic business activity, which may include acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and other significant commercial arrangements.
- Supporting strong corporate governance, including Board and Committee matters where appropriate.
- Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing legal team, creating an inclusive, collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
- Overseeing key legal matters handled across the team, providing challenge, guidance and quality assurance where appropriate.
- Supporting effective legal operations, best practice and continuous improvement, including the use of technology and AI to improve efficiency.
- Building strong relationships across the business and with external partners, suppliers and legal providers, ensuring legal support is pragmatic, accessible and cost effective.
- Managing relationships with external legal advisers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective support.
What do I need?
- A qualified solicitor with strong post-qualification experience, bringing a proven track record of providing expert legal advice in a commercial, pragmatic and business-focused way.
- Significant experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, with a strong understanding of contract and consumer law.
- Experience acting as a trusted adviser to executive and senior leadership teams, with the confidence to influence, challenge constructively and build trusted relationships across the business.
- Experience leading legal teams, managing day-to-day operations and supporting the development of people through coaching, upskilling and collaborative ways of working.
- A strong track record of leading legal operations improvement, including using technology and AI to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of legal service delivery while maintaining appropriate governance and quality standards.
- Experience leading complex or large-scale projects, including working across different business areas to deliver successful outcomes.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and respond positively to new challenges, developing practical and creative solutions to legal issues.
Additional information
We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
- Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
- Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
- Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
- Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
- Company funded life assurance
- Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
Head of Legal in Basingstoke employer: Automobile Association
The AA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Basingstoke with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including an annual bonus, private medical insurance, and diverse learning opportunities, all within a culture that values inclusivity and personal growth. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is committed to innovation and excellence in the motoring industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in Basingstoke
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Automobile Association, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Automobile Association, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Automobile Association and the specific role of Head of Legal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Automobile Association’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Automobile Association
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Automobile Association.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Automobile Association.
