Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Reading

Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Reading

Reading Temporary 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Francisco Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the legal team, manage stakeholder relationships, and oversee external counsel.
  • Company: Keyloop, a tech innovator transforming the car sales industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of automotive technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in legal management and strong communication skills.

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

Keyloop bridges the gap between dealers, manufacturers, technology suppliers and car buyers. We empower car dealers and manufacturers to fully embrace digital transformation by creating innovative technology that makes selling cars better for our customers, and buying and owning cars better for theirs. We use cutting-edge technology to link our clients’ systems, departments and sites. We provide an open technology platform that’s shaping the industry for the future. We use data to help clients become more efficient, increase profitability and give more customers an amazing experience.

Role Purpose

The Head of Legal is a management and delivery role responsible for the day-to-day running of the legal function. The role sits between the General Counsel and the wider legal team, providing the operational management layer that allows the function to deliver consistently, responsively and to a measurable standard. It is distinct from the General Counsel role, which retains strategic legal oversight, board-level risk management and executive advisory responsibilities. The successful candidate will bring order, discipline and a clear service model to a function that currently lacks a dedicated management layer, and will act as the first point of escalation for the team and the business.

Key Responsibilities

  • TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY: Lead the day-to-day management of the legal team, including workload allocation, matter triage, prioritisation and tracking. Own the UK, Prague and India operating model, including handoff discipline, escalation rules and cross-border coordination. Provide people management for the team, including regular one-to-ones, coaching, performance monitoring and development. Act as the first escalation point for the team, resolving matters at the appropriate level and escalating only genuinely strategic matters to the General Counsel.
  • STAKEHOLDER SERVICE: Own stakeholder service delivery, including response standards, communication discipline and adherence to agreed service levels. Maintain clear ownership of matters so that business stakeholders always know who is responsible for their request. Build and sustain effective working relationships with business unit leads across Sales, Marketing, Professional Services, Finance and HR.
  • EXTERNAL COUNSEL AND COST CONTROL: Manage and oversee external counsel spend, including instruction, oversight and cost management. Operate a clear mandate and approval framework for matters referred externally, reducing unmanaged outsourcing.
  • OPERATING DISCIPLINE AND IMPROVEMENT: Own the matter tracker and feed the function's KPI dashboard, managing the team to agreed standards of responsiveness, quality and backlog health. Implement and maintain intake standards, service tiers and triage rules. Drive process improvements, template standardisation and legal operations discipline. Execute legal risk controls, identify emerging risks.

Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Reading employer: Francisco Partners

Verifone is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior DevOps Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a role that not only encourages professional growth but also allows you to make a significant impact on global payment solutions. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on creating a diverse environment, Verifone stands out as a place where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.

Francisco Partners

Contact Details:

Francisco Partners Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Reading

Get Involved in Legal Networking Events

Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Francisco Partners.

Showcase Your Skills Online

Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Francisco Partners does!

Tap into Law School Resources

If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!

Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards

Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Francisco Partners.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Reading

Team Management
Workload Allocation
Matter Triage
Performance Monitoring
Stakeholder Management
Communication Discipline
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!

Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.

Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!

Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Francisco Partners and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!

How to prepare for a job interview at Francisco Partners

Show Off Your Legal Know-How

Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Head of Legal - Fixed Term Contract 12 months role at Francisco Partners. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.

Talk About Your Flexibility

Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.

Prepare for the Casework Challenge

You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.

Pitch Your Legal Portfolio

If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Francisco Partners.