At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function, support business growth, and manage external legal relationships.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed firm in the professional services sector.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape legal processes.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a legal function in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong experience in commercial contracts and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Outstanding opportunity to be the first lawyer at a private equity backed business that focuses on the professional services space. This is a hands-on role for a lawyer who wants to make their mark at an expanding company and establish the legal function. The role will act as the key internal legal lead, partnering closely with the executive team and operational leaders, whilst managing relationships with outsourced legal advisers who will continue to support on larger, more complex or specialist matters. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the business, solving problems quickly, creating practical solutions and helping build scalable legal processes as the group continues to grow through acquisition and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Corporate & Growth Activity
- Support business acquisitions and integration activity, including legal due diligence coordination.
- Assist with corporate governance and company secretarial matters where required.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders during periods of business change and transformation.
- Managing External Counsel
- Act as the primary internal contact for outsourced legal partners.
- Coordinate and manage external legal advisers on more complex or high-value matters.
- Ensure external legal spend is effectively managed and commercially appropriate.
- Commercial Contracts & Legal Support
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including client contracts, supplier agreements, SaaS and technology agreements, partnership and service agreements.
- Provide practical legal advice to business stakeholders on day-to-day operational matters.
- Support the business with contract management and legal administration processes.
- Employment & Operational Legal Matters
- Provide legal guidance on employment-related matters alongside the People team, including employment contracts, policy reviews, employee relations matters, settlement agreements, TUPE considerations, and organisational change projects.
- Support on compliance and governance matters across the group.
- Identify legal and commercial risks across the business and work with stakeholders to implement practical mitigation plans.
- Help ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and internal governance frameworks.
- Support the maintenance and development of legal templates, processes and playbooks.
- Process Improvement
- Build scalable and efficient legal processes suitable for a growing group structure.
- Create practical guidance and training for operational teams to improve legal awareness and reduce risk.
- Help establish a commercially pragmatic legal function that enables the business rather than slows it down.
About You
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent jurisdiction).
- Strong experience in commercial contracts and day-to-day business legal support.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and evolving environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience working with outsourced legal providers or external counsel desirable.
- Exposure to employment law and M&A activity would be advantageous.
What Success Looks Like
- Legal processes become more streamlined and scalable.
- External counsel is used effectively and efficiently.
- Stakeholders receive clear, pragmatic advice at pace.
- Legal risk is managed appropriately without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to help shape and build an in-house legal function within a growing and ambitious group business. The role offers broad exposure across commercial, operational and strategic matters, whilst remaining highly hands-on and embedded within the day-to-day business.
Head of Legal employer: Motus Legal Recruitment
Join a dynamic and ambitious private equity-backed business as the Head of Legal, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the legal function from the ground up. Our flexible hybrid work culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will be supported in your professional development. With a focus on collaboration and practical solutions, you will play a pivotal role in driving the company's success and navigating its exciting transformation journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your experience with commercial contracts and stakeholder management. Share specific examples of how you've solved problems and improved processes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Research the Company
Before any interview, do your homework on the company’s culture, values, and recent news. Understanding their business model and challenges will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It not only shows your enthusiasm but also ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in commercial contracts and stakeholder management, as these are key for us. Show how your skills align with our needs and the exciting challenges we face.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love candidates who can think on their feet! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled legal challenges in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your ability to provide practical solutions, which is crucial for this role.
Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit:Since you'll be working closely with our executive team and external legal partners, it's important to showcase your teamwork skills. Mention any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
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 fantastic opportunity to shape our legal function. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motus Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, employment law, and M&A activity. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar situations in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Show Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management, so think of examples where you've successfully communicated with senior leaders or external partners. Be prepared to explain how you can build relationships and provide clear, pragmatic advice quickly.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The company is looking for someone who enjoys solving problems and creating practical solutions. Prepare to share specific instances where you've identified legal risks and implemented effective mitigation plans in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Process Improvement
Talk about your experience in building scalable legal processes and how you've improved efficiency in previous roles. Highlight any training or guidance you've provided to operational teams to enhance their legal awareness and reduce risk.
