Head of Legal in Blackburn

Sellick Partnership is exclusively working on a Head of Legal position with an award-winning business finance specialist based in Blackburn. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, this role will lead the legal and compliance strategy for the business. You will ensure effective management of legal and regulatory risk and support the business’s sustainable growth. This is a highly visible role within the business and involves working with different stakeholders across the business, requiring effective and clear communication. This Head of Legal role is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated Head of Legal or Senior Solicitor looking to take the next step in their career.

Head of Legal Role Overview:

• Lead the development and delivery of a Legal function, incorporating Compliance, generating value and navigating regulatory complexity.
• Oversee and support the business's complaint handling process, taking ownership of escalated complaints.
• Act as a trusted advisor on UK and EU regulations, offering clarity and insight across prudential, conduct, and governance requirements.
• Shape the business's legal strategy, identifying growth opportunities, guiding new business conversations, and representing the business in industry forums.
• Manage relationships with legal partners and regulatory bodies to ensure best practice in-house in all aspects of risk, compliance and litigation.
• Manage, review and maintain the full suite of documentation utilised by the business.
• Build and nurture a high-performing team, mentoring colleagues and ensuring high-quality outputs.

Professional Qualifications:

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• A degree/and or equivalent qualification in a business-related discipline is desirable.
• Experience in regulated financial services FCA regulatory exposure.

Experience/Knowledge:

• A collaborative leadership style, with experience managing teams and delivering impactful solutions.
• Excellent understanding of FCA regulation and methodologies.
• Ability to navigate complexity and communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders – including regulators and board-level audiences.
• Ability to interpret and translate complex technical concepts and regulatory reporting requirements into clear guidance for colleagues and stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of UK and EU regulatory frameworks, including prudential, conduct, operational and emerging ESG expectations.
• Particular experience with recoveries litigation within the Asset Finance industry would be a distinct advantage, though not essential.
• Exposure to other areas of risk management (market risk, enterprise risk management, operational risk, liquidity risk, capital risk etc.) will be an added advantage.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Self-motivated with leadership attributes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills, including written, verbal, and the ability to deliver compelling presentations.
• Demonstrable analytical skills.
• Strategic thinking: Value the need for strategy and confidence to course correct if needed.

What’s in it for you:

• A competitive salary + bonus (up to 30%)
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays with the option to buy and sell 5 days
• Initially an 8% pension contribution, rising to 10% after 2 years, with the opportunity to increase should you wish
• Private Health Care
• Salary sacrifice schemes + much more

For more information, please contact David Scott or apply now. Applications closing on the 5th of June.