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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team and advise on strategic corporate matters.
- Company: Join a major European transport organisation with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus eligibility, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Gain exceptional exposure to senior leadership and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years’ experience in complex corporate matters.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-performing, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Sunderland (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Contract: FTC (10 months initially, maternity cover)
Start date: Mid-April to ensure thorough handover
Reports to: Group General Counsel & Company Secretary
Salary: Competitive salary along with bonus eligibility
Direct reports: 3
About the Organisation
We are partnered with a major European transport organisation operating across 10 European countries and delivering millions of passenger journeys each year. With a dynamic shareholder, an ambitious growth agenda and significant upcoming corporate activity, this is a pivotal moment to join the business.
This maternity cover role sits at the centre of the Corporate Centre, reporting directly into the General Counsel and Company Secretary and working closely with a high‑calibre, sophisticated board. It offers exceptional exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making.
The Role (Maternity Cover)
- Leadership of the Legal & Secretariat Function
- Lead, develop and mentor a team of legal and company secretarial professionals.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence, best‑practice governance and strong risk management.
- Provide visible, people‑focused leadership within a highly engaged team.
- Corporate Centre Legal & Strategic Advisory
- Advise senior leaders on complex corporate, commercial, regulatory and strategic matters.
- Support key initiatives including group reorganisations, technology transformations, refinancing, funding arrangements, general treasury support and intragroup lending.
- Lead contractual execution for major Corporate Centre projects including framework agreements, IP and IT.
- Manage external counsel and engage effectively with senior stakeholders across the business and shareholder representatives.
- Governance & Company Secretariat
- Oversee governance, board administration and statutory compliance for the organisation’s top‑tier board and its committees, and the Corporate Centre’s funding and operational entities.
- Oversee governance for the organisation’s Executive Management Committee led by the CEO.
- Serve as the senior governance conduit for the shareholder, including managing KYC and UBO requirements.
- Ensure compliance with legal obligations, regulatory filings and maintenance of corporate records.
- Close Partnership with a High‑Performing Board
This role provides substantial exposure to a sophisticated, internationally experienced board. You will work closely with the Executive Chair, CEO, senior executives and support independent non‑executive directors with backgrounds across major global transport, infrastructure and financial institutions.
- Technology, Strategy & Continuous Improvement
- Support enhancements to legal and governance technology and reporting.
- Contribute to succession planning and continuous improvement across the wider legal function.
About You
- Experience & Expertise
- Qualified lawyer with at least 10 years’ PQE.
- Strong in‑house experience supported by a solid private practice background.
- Experience handling complex, multi‑entity, multinational corporate or commercial matters.
- Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Proven team leadership experience.
- Confident, resilient and able to challenge appropriately.
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Pragmatic, commercially minded and collaborative.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
HEAD OF LEGAL & DEPUTY COMPANY SECRETARY in Sunderland employer: Taylor Root Dusseldorf
Contact Detail:
Taylor Root Dusseldorf Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD OF LEGAL & DEPUTY COMPANY SECRETARY in Sunderland
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in roles you’re interested in. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about gathering insights and advice. Plus, it helps you get your name out there and shows your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to legal and governance topics on platforms like LinkedIn. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts attention from recruiters looking for someone with your expertise.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF LEGAL & DEPUTY COMPANY SECRETARY in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant legal expertise to show us you’re the right fit for this pivotal role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this position and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience in corporate governance and strategic advisory.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful team initiatives you've spearheaded. We want to see how you foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root Dusseldorf
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal and corporate governance concepts relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's structure, recent corporate activities, and any significant regulatory changes in the transport sector. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also invested in the company's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored or developed team members, and how you've fostered a culture of operational excellence. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a high-pressure environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've navigated complex discussions or negotiations, especially in a multinational context.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing external counsel or overseeing compliance issues, and prepare your approach to tackling these situations. This will showcase your pragmatic and commercially minded approach.