Northern LGPS - Legal Director in Droylsden

Provide strategic legal leadership for a new investment management company. Northern LGPS is entering an important new phase of its development, establishing a new FCA authorised investment management company to manage around £70bn of assets on behalf of three Local Government Pension Scheme funds. As Legal Director, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation is built on robust legal, regulatory and governance foundations. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, you'll provide trusted legal advice across the organisation, supporting investment activity, commercial operations and corporate governance while managing relationships with external legal advisers. This is an opportunity to influence the legal framework of a growing investment organisation from the outset and help shape its long‑term success.

About Northern LGPS: Northern LGPS is a c£70bn pooled investment partnership for the Local Government Pension Scheme, bringing together the investments of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Merseyside Pension Fund and West Yorkshire Pension Fund. Building on the foundations of its collaboration over several years, Northern LGPS is now entering the next phase of its development. This phase focuses on establishing an FCA authorised investment management company with a dedicated senior leadership team, strengthening governance and creating a clear operating model to support long‑term investment outcomes. For those joining at this stage, the opportunity is exceptional. These roles offer the chance to shape strategy, set standards and build leadership capability for the long term, working closely with the partner funds, who are both shareholders and clients, Boards and regulators to ensure Northern LGPS continues to evolve as a well‑governed, resilient investment organisation.

Our culture: As Northern LGPS continues to evolve, we are building a collaborative, open and trusting organisation where people can do their best work. We believe strong outcomes come from working together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. Our flexible and hybrid working arrangements give colleagues greater flexibility in how they manage their time, while supporting collaboration and colleague wellbeing. We are developing a supportive learning culture where people are encouraged to grow, contribute ideas and help shape how the organisation works. Our ambition is to build a resilient and sustainable organisation that delivers for its Partner Funds over the long term.

Main responsibilities: You'll provide legal advice and support across Northern LGPS’s investment activities, including fund structuring, manager appointments, co-investments and alternative asset transactions. Draft, review and negotiate investment management agreements, commercial contracts, subscription documents, side letters and other legal documentation. Advise on legal aspects of investment due diligence, transactions and associated legal risks. Support corporate, commercial, regulatory, procurement and outsourcing matters across the organisation. Establish and maintain contract templates and a contract management framework. Manage disputes, claims and litigation, working with external legal advisers where required. Provide legal advice on responsible investment, environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and climate‑related regulatory obligations. Maintain the legal risk register and help embed effective legal risk management practices across the organisation. Work closely with Risk and Compliance colleagues to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and anti‑financial‑crime obligations. Represent Northern LGPS on legal matters with partner funds, regulators, auditors, external law firms and other key stakeholders. Manage relationships with external legal advisers, including appointments, fee arrangements and performance.

What we’re looking for: You’ll bring extensive legal expertise together with the ability to provide strategic advice within a regulated investment environment. We’re particularly interested in professionals who can demonstrate experience of: Investment management and financial services legal advice; Investment transactions, commercial contracts and regulatory matters; Fund structuring, investment agreements and legal due diligence; Managing external legal advisers and complex legal projects; Corporate governance and legal risk management; Public sector procurement and commercial contracting; Building trusted relationships with Boards, senior executives and external stakeholders; Delivering pragmatic legal advice that supports organisational objectives while managing risk.

Qualifications: Must have: Qualified solicitor or barrister of England and Wales holding, or eligible to hold, a current practising certificate, with substantial post‑qualification experience in investment management, financial services, and/or public sector legal practice.

Hours of work: 37 hours per week.

Location: Any NLGPS location.

Salary Grade: Grade B

Sponsorship: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Application deadline: 28 August 2026 at 17:00 (5:00pm). We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient volume of suitable applications.

Equal opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.