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- Tasks: Lead the legal team, manage contracts, and ensure compliance with laws.
- Company: Join Hastings Direct, a digital insurance provider aiming to be the best in the UK market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive bonuses, private medical insurance, and 27 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic culture focused on growth, support, and community impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing legal teams and drafting commercial contracts is essential.
- Other info: We promote inclusivity and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Bexhill - Hybrid - 1/2 days per week
Welcome to Hastings Direct. We are a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We have made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We are proud of the journey we are on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.
Role overview: This role will support the Chief Legal Officer in all areas of the Group Legal department's duties and responsibilities, taking specific responsibility as directed and including:
- Setting and implementing the strategic and operational delivery of legal services to the business
- Prioritising and allocating work within the department
- Ensuring legal resource is appropriately skilled to support the business and performance management of the legal team members
- Responsible for negotiating and advising on complex contractual, project and other legal issues within the business, with a focus on data, IT, general insurance and intermediary/broker activities (personal lines), claims and outsourced services
Job details - you will need to have demonstrable experience in:
- Plans, directs and reviews (where appropriate) the Legal Department's work, assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate personnel
- Reviewing and evaluating operational procedures and resources (including templates and legal advice), identifying and resolving issues and looking to continually improve delivery of the legal services
- Developing and training Legal Department personnel, establishing performance requirements and development goals, identifying and resolving personnel deficiencies as appropriate
- Assisting with the development and delivery of legal education programmes to all colleagues
- Keeping the company informed and up to date on new laws and regulations applicable to the business
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts with third parties and drafting and advising on policy terms
- Advising and resolving sensitive and complex contractual and legal inquiries and issues including litigation and communications with regulators
- Performing other duties to support the Chief Legal Officer as directed
Essential skills/experience:
- Previous experience in managing an in-house legal team and supporting legal operations
- A solid commercial experience of drafting and negotiating commercial contracts including data (PII) and software contracts
- Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships across the business
- Capability to use Office applications to a high standard including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Teams
The interview process involves the below:
- Recruiter screening call
- Initial interview with hiring leader
- 2nd interview with hiring leader's leader
As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive. We welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).
Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary and £6k car allowance, you will also receive:
- Flexible working - we champion a flexible hybrid working approach
- Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus
- Physical wellbeing - Hastings pays for you to receive private medical insurance (PMI)
- Financial wellbeing - providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%
- Mental wellbeing programme - access to the thrive mental health app, colleague assistance programme available 24/7, and support groups
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks
- Access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year
Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.
Head of Legal employer: Hastings Direct
Contact Detail:
Hastings Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hastings Direct's culture and values, particularly the 4Cs. Understanding how they prioritise colleagues, customers, company, and community will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing legal teams and operations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've improved legal service delivery or developed team members, as this role heavily focuses on leadership and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Research recent changes in laws and regulations relevant to the insurance industry, especially those affecting data protection and commercial contracts. Being knowledgeable about current legal trends will show your proactive approach and readiness to keep the company informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the insurance and legal sectors. Engaging with others in similar roles can provide insights into the challenges faced in the industry and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing legal teams and your expertise in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in data, IT, and insurance law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to build stakeholder relationships and improve legal service delivery.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Office applications and any other relevant tools. Highlight your capability to train and develop team members, as well as your experience in keeping up with new laws and regulations that affect the business.
Prepare for Interviews: Research Hastings Direct thoroughly before your interviews. Be ready to discuss your management style, how you handle complex legal issues, and your approach to fostering a positive team culture. Prepare questions that show your interest in their 4Cs principles and how you can contribute to their success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Hastings Direct's 4Cs culture. Understanding their focus on colleagues, customers, company, and community will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a good fit.
✨Prepare for Legal Scenarios
Given the role's focus on complex legal issues, be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully negotiated contracts or resolved legal disputes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and trained legal personnel in the past, as well as how you've handled performance management within your team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the current challenges the legal department faces or how they measure success in this position. This demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest.
