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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal guidance and ensure compliance across the University’s operations.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and discounts on tuition and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a prestigious environment while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in leading legal teams.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant city known for its culture and history.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Head of Legal Services leads the delivery of legal guidance across the University’s academic and commercial operations. The role includes ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and leading all aspects of the legal and Freedom of Information teams. Responsibilities include tracking legislative changes, briefing leadership, and handling legal matters with discretion. The position reports to the Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance and includes managing relationships with external legal counsel. The role involves making decisions, adapting to change, and working within a regulatory framework.
- Provide legal advice to senior leadership on legislation and compliance.
- Lead legal input into governance, contracts, property transactions, and dispute resolution.
- Oversee engagement with external legal counsel and manage contract negotiations.
- Support legal processes in student and staff casework, including appeals and grievances.
- Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) processes and responses.
- Work with Risk & Compliance to meet reporting requirements.
- Create legal templates, toolkits, and training materials to support compliance.
- Maintain the University’s central contracts repository.
- Conduct legal due diligence and raise unresolved risks.
- Direct the Legal and FOI teams, set goals, and coordinate training.
- Supervise legal staff and manage the legal services budget.
- Maintain solicitor registration and participate in legal networks.
- Provide legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor on institutional matters.
About You
This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Bath as a highly experienced legal professional. As a qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in England and Wales, you bring experience in leading legal teams across areas such as employment law, contracts, litigation, and compliance. You are able to explain legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences and manage Freedom of Information processes and consumer protection matters. You guide and support teams, make decisions under pressure, and stay informed about legal developments and sector requirements. With a practical approach, you contribute to decision-making and help maintain legal standards across the institution. The role involves working with others across the University and engaging with external legal networks.
What We Can Offer You
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Travel to Bath: Bath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, has been a desirable place to live since Roman times. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds legal protection for its cultural significance. Residents appreciate the green surroundings, parks, hills, and independent shops alongside the iconic Georgian landscape. The city hosts various cultural events and travel advice is available on our site.
Equality and Opportunity: We aim to be an inclusive university, with staff from over 60 nations and a commitment to gender equality and intersectionality. We are proud to be autism-friendly and a Disability Confident Leader, supporting disabled staff. We encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities.
Right To Work In The UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Notes for Recruitment Agencies: We kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from sending speculative CVs or applications unless invited, using a provided URN.
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Head of Legal Services employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into the University of Bath. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current legal issues and compliance matters relevant to the university sector. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal services, especially in areas like compliance and contract negotiations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Legal Services!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and make decisions under pressure. Share examples of how you've successfully led legal teams or handled complex legal matters in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your legal expertise and how it can benefit our university. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the University of Bath.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and compliance issues relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled legal matters in the past, especially in areas like employment law and contracts. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal Services, you'll be leading teams and managing relationships. Think of examples where you've successfully guided a team or managed external counsel. Highlight your ability to make decisions under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex legal issues to non-legal audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your experience where you’ve simplified legal jargon for stakeholders, which will demonstrate your communication prowess.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the University’s legal challenges, governance structures, and how they engage with external legal networks. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
