At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and manage compliance for a fast-growing tech company.
- Company: Join Hypervolt, a dynamic hardware manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values your insights and expertise.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal practices in a cutting-edge tech environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong experience in commercial contracting and regulatory matters.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The role
The Head of Legal is Hypervolt's principal legal adviser and the single point of ownership for legal, regulatory and compliance matters across the business.
It spans the full range you'd expect at a hardware manufacturer that also sells to consumers and runs a software layer: commercial contracting, product and consumer law, data and IP, corporate and international, and disputes.
This is a hands-on, generalist leadership role.
You'll set legal strategy and risk appetite with the executive team, handle the substantive work yourself, and decide when and how to bring in external counsel.
You'll build the templates, processes and playbooks that let a fast-moving business move quickly while managing its risk, and you'll grow the function as the company grows.
Key responsibilities
- Commercial contracting
- Draft, negotiate and manage the full range of B2B agreements — customer, channel, distribution, partnership, procurement and supplier contracts — including pricing, service levels, warranties, liability, IP and termination.
- Support tenders, RFPs and major commercial negotiations with practical, deal-focused input.
- Product, consumer & safety
- Advise on consumer law and fair-trading obligations across direct-to-consumer sales, including consumer rights, warranties, returns and guarantees.
- Own product compliance and product safety, including conformity, standards and product-liability matters.
- Manage the legal aspects of quality, certification and regulatory conformity for connected hardware.
- Software, data & IP
- Own software, Saa S and API arrangements — end-user and developer terms, licensing, integration and partner agreements, and service levels.
- Lead data protection and privacy compliance (UK GDPR and equivalents) across connected-device data and customer information, including lawful use, retention, sharing and cross-border transfer.
- Protect and manage the company's intellectual property across hardware, software and brand, and handle open-source and third-party licensing.
- Regulatory & compliance
- Advise on the sector and product regulation relevant to the business, and keep the company ahead of regulatory change.
- Own the compliance framework, including policies, training and the legal-risk register.
- Corporate, governance & international
- Support corporate governance, board and shareholder matters and corporate transactions.
- Provide legal support to international expansion, overseas entities and cross-border operations.
- Manage the company's insurance programme relationship.
- Disputes & risk
- Manage disputes and litigation across corporate and consumer matters, coordinating external counsel and insurers where needed.
- Maintain clear processes for escalation, risk-tracking and record-keeping.
- Leading the function
- Establish the company's contract templates, approval workflows, playbooks
- Act as a trusted, plain-speaking adviser who translates legal risk into commercial decisions, and scale the legal function as the business grows.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent), with a strong post-qualification track record at GC or senior-counsel level.
- Broad, generalist commercial capability, with real strength in commercial contracting plus credible experience across product/consumer, regulatory, data or IP — and the confidence to get up to speed quickly on the rest.
- Comfort operating as a sole or lead legal function: self-directed, decisive and able to prioritise across a wide and shifting workload.
- A commercial, pragmatic approach that finds the protected route to "yes" rather than defaulting to "no".
- Sound judgement in complex, ambiguous situations, balancing commercial, reputational and risk considerations.
Desirable
- In-house experience at a manufacturer, hardware, consumer-tech, energy or mobility business.
- Familiarity with connected/Io T products and the data, liability and IP questions they raise.
- Experience across both B2B and B2C legal environments.
- Exposure to product-safety and product-liability matters.
- Experience establishing or scaling an in-house legal function.
Head of Legal in London employer: Hypervolt
At Hypervolt, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Industrial Designers to take ownership of their work and contribute to innovative product design in a fast-growing environment. Our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility while our commitment to professional growth ensures that every team member can advance their career in a supportive and inclusive culture. With competitive salaries and generous stock options, we reward creativity and dedication, making Hypervolt a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in London
✨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 Hypervolt, 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 London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hypervolt, 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 Hypervolt 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 Hypervolt’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hypervolt
✨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 Hypervolt.
✨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 Hypervolt.
