Head of Legal Affairs

Head of Legal Affairs

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal strategy and governance for ISS UK & Ireland, ensuring compliance and risk management.
  • Company: Join ISS, a world-leading workplace and facility management company committed to people and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Exciting career opportunities, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape legal standards and make a real impact in a dynamic, supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Strong legal experience in commercial contracts, disputes, and corporate governance.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team that values diversity and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially minded Head of Legal Affairs to provide strategic legal leadership across ISS UK & Ireland. This senior leadership role oversees all non-employment legal matters, ensuring robust governance, effective risk management and full alignment with ISS Group legal and compliance frameworks. Operating as a key adviser to the Country Leadership Team, this role safeguards ISS’s legal, regulatory and reputational position while supporting business growth, operational delivery and transformation.

We are looking for an experienced legal professional who can shape and embed high-quality legal standards across the UK & Ireland business in line with One ISS principles. As a member of the UK & Ireland Senior Leadership Team and part of the ISS Group Legal Leadership Team, the role works in close partnership with Finance, Risk & Compliance and Group Legal, providing expert guidance on corporate, governance, disputes, insurance and strategic matters.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal support across ISS UK & Ireland, including drafting, negotiating and advising on customer contracts in line with the Legal Playbook and Delegated Authority Matrix (DAM).
  • Lead on disputes and litigation for UK & Ireland, partnering with the business, managing external counsel and reporting to Country Leadership Team and Group Legal.
  • Advise on corporate legal matters, including transactions, restructuring and governance, working closely with Finance, Treasury and Group stakeholders.
  • Maintain and embed the UK & Ireland Delegated Authority Matrix, ensuring alignment with ISS Group governance frameworks.
  • Deliver company secretarial support including board and CLT minutes, statutory records and regulatory filings.
  • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements including sanctions, ABC, competition law and Code of Conduct, and support audit and reporting activities.
  • Provide legal oversight on property matters such as leases, acquisitions and disposals in collaboration with the Property team and external advisers.
  • Partner with the UK & Ireland Insurance Manager and Group Insurance to oversee insurance programmes, advise on risk and support complex claims.
Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications
  • Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial customer contracts within a facilities services, outsourcing or service-led environment, focused on risk mitigation and margin protection.
  • Proven capability managing UK disputes and litigation, including external counsel management and reporting to senior leadership.
  • Solid understanding of corporate governance, company secretarial requirements and delegated authority frameworks.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of relevant UK regulatory compliance, including sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, competition law and corporate governance.
  • Experience advising on corporate transactions, property matters and restructuring in partnership with finance and operational teams.
  • Ability to oversee insurance programmes, claims and insurable risk across operational and supply chain environments.
  • Commercial, pragmatic legal leader with strong stakeholder engagement skills at senior levels.
  • Experienced people leader with a track record of developing and supporting junior legal team members.

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience. Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families.

ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people. We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference.

ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme. Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.

Head of Legal Affairs employer: ISS Facilities Services

At ISS, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading workplace and facility management company that values its people at every level. As the Head of Legal Affairs in London, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive culture that fosters professional growth and development, offering you the chance to shape legal standards while working closely with senior leadership. With a commitment to corporate responsibility and a diverse workforce, ISS provides a rewarding environment where your contributions truly make a difference.
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Contact Detail:

ISS Facilities Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Affairs

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into ISS or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching ISS’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of making the world work better. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Affairs

Legal Expertise
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Dispute Resolution
Litigation Management
Corporate Governance
Regulatory Compliance
Company Secretarial Support
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Insurance Programme Oversight
Commercial Acumen
Team Leadership
Strategic Legal Advisory
Understanding of UK Law

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal affairs, especially in areas like corporate governance and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at ISS!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in managing teams or projects, as well as your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ISS!

How to prepare for a job interview at ISS Facilities Services

✨Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance, compliance regulations, and the specifics of the UK legal landscape. Being able to discuss recent legal developments or case studies relevant to ISS's operations will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also engaged with the industry.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Legal Affairs, you'll be leading a team and advising senior leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved disputes, or influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in developing junior team members will also resonate well.

✨Understand ISS's Business Model

Familiarise yourself with ISS's services and how they operate within the facilities management sector. Be ready to discuss how your legal expertise can support their business growth and operational delivery, particularly in areas like risk management and contract negotiation.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's legal challenges, their approach to compliance, or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Head of Legal Affairs
ISS Facilities Services
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