At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal guidance on commercial contracts and governance for a leading university.
- Company: Join Operate Surrey Ltd and the University of Surrey, a mission-driven institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and family-friendly perks.
- Other info: Enjoy on-campus leisure facilities and travel schemes in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Shape legal outcomes in a dynamic environment while supporting higher education initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in legal drafting and commercial contracts.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you provide expert legal guidance to Operate Surrey Ltd and the University of Surrey, supporting a broad portfolio of activities to enable institutional objectives and the global strategy.
You will collaborate with academic and professional services teams to deliver pragmatic legal solutions across commercial contracts, governance, and risk management.
You will navigate a sophisticated regulatory environment, safeguarding the university’s reputation through timely and decisive action.
This position offers high-impact work shaping legal outcomes in a complex, mission-driven setting.
- Pay / Benefits
- competitive salary
- generous pension
- relocation assistance
- hybrid working (on-site ~2 days/week)
- on-campus leisure facilities
- travel schemes benefits; family-friendly benefits including on-site nursery
Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal advice across a diverse portfolio, with a focus on commercial contracts
- Support higher education activities including collaborative provision, student exchanges, and TNE projects
- Advise on IP, data protection, consumer law, employment, student matters, regulatory compliance, corporate, property and construction, and dispute resolution
- Balance legal risk with institutional priorities and provide clear, pragmatic direction on complex issues
- Ensure robust legal compliance across the University and subsidiaries
- Navigate evolving governance expectations from OFS, Charity Commission, government bodies and partners
- Work autonomously with minimal supervision, taking initiative in a rapidly evolving sector
- Key requirements
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post-qualification experience
- Significant expertise in legal drafting and commercial contracts
- Ability to work autonomously and manage time-critical matters
- In-house legal experience desirable
- Experience in higher education or public sector beneficial
- Knowledge across consumer rights, IP, employment, data protection, corporate, property, construction, litigation/dispute resolution
- Diplomacy in client interactions
- Adaptability
- Initiative and self-direction
- Legal drafting
- Commercial contracts
- Data protection
Senior Lawyer - Commercial in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the IT Services team. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful digital transformation projects in a vibrant academic setting. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
