Head of Legal Risk & Compliance in Watford

Imagine playing a pivotal role at the heart of how a business manages risk, governance, and compliance. Reporting directly to the CFO, you coordinate legal affairs while shaping a framework that supports confident, informed decision‑making across our Hotels, Restaurants, and Care operations. You’re building something meaningful from the ground up — helping to establish and embed the Group Risk Committee, bringing structure, clarity, and insight. Working closely with the CFO and the Chair of the Risk Committee, you ensure the right conversations happen at the right time, with a focus on proportionate assurance and a positive, practical approach to risk. Every day brings variety and influence — partnering with stakeholders across the business, guiding governance, and ensuring compliance supports, rather than slows, the way we operate. As Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance, you’re not just managing frameworks — you’re helping shape a culture where risk is understood, managed, and enables the business to thrive.

What You Will Do In This Splendid Role

• Support the establishment and ongoing operation of the Group Risk Committee, including agendas, papers, action tracking, and reporting.
• Partner closely with the CFO (Executive Lead) and the Chair to ensure the Committee is effective, well‑informed, and proportionate in its approach.
• Develop and maintain the Group risk register, working with senior leaders to identify, assess, and mitigate key risks.
• Embed a consistent and practical risk management approach across the organisation.
• Prepare clear, insightful risk reporting for the Executive Team, Risk Committee, and Board.
• Monitor emerging legal, regulatory, and operational risks, providing forward‑looking insight and guidance.
• Translate legislative and regulatory developments into practical, business‑friendly actions.
• Support strong governance practices, including the development and review of key Group policies (e.g. data protection, whistleblowing, safeguarding, modern slavery, health & safety).
• Provide support on a range of legal matters, including property leases, licences, and operational issues.
• Manage relationships with external legal advisers, ensuring advice is pragmatic, timely, and cost‑effective.
• Act as a trusted, pragmatic partner to the business, balancing legal and risk considerations with commercial priorities.

What Makes You Splendid

• A strong generalist legal background, with experience across commercial contracts.
• Experience working in‑house or in close partnership with operational teams.
• Experience within regulated, multi‑site, or operationally complex organisations.
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders and contributing to committees.
• Highly organised and structured, with the ability to build frameworks from the ground up.
• Experience supporting a risk committee or similar governance forum.
• Familiarity with risk registers, assurance reporting, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience managing external advisers, including budgets and cost control.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with the ability to listen, influence, and engage stakeholders at all levels.

We live by our values, and we’d love you to bring them to life every day:

• Nimble – You anticipate legal, regulatory and commercial risk early, responding quickly and decisively in a complex, fast‑moving environment.
• Honest – You lead with absolute integrity, independence and sound judgement.
• Brilliant – You bring deep legal and governance expertise, combined with commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Open – You foster strong, collaborative relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders, including regulators and advisors.

Our Splendid Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential wellbeing support whenever you need it with 24/7 access to remote GP appointments.
• Hotel Room Discounts – stay with us or our partner hotels at special team rates including discounted rates for friends and family.
• Food & Beverage Discounts – enjoy meals and drinks at reduced prices across our hotels.
• Life Assurance – peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Salary Sacrifice – Car Scheme: our team members can enjoy the ultimate benefit of driving a brand new, fully insured and maintained car for a fixed monthly amount taken from their salary.
• Stream – access your earned wages up to 50% whenever you need them, giving you financial flexibility and Highstreet discounts available.
• Pension – auto enrolment into the company pension scheme.
• Learning & Development – opportunities available to progress your skills and career.