Head of Legal in London

If you enjoy variety, autonomy and being genuinely close to the business, then keep reading. We're partnering with an international, PE-backed engineering and project services business looking for a Head of Legal to lead the Group legal function and help support the next stage of growth. This would suit someone in a varied Head of Legal / Legal Director role looking for a new and exciting challenge. This isn't one of those roles where you spend your days hiding behind policies or sending work to external lawyers. This is a proper hands-on Head of Legal role.

You'll support the Board on strategic matters one minute and be rolling up your sleeves negotiating contracts, supporting M&A activity, advising on employment matters or exploring how AI and automation can transform the legal function the next.

About This Business

This is an international, PE-backed business with ambitious growth plans and an impressive track record. Operating across Europe and beyond, they deliver complex engineering and project services across manufacturing, infrastructure, utilities and energy. The business is entrepreneurial, fast-moving and investing heavily in people, systems and technology. AI and automation are seen as opportunities, not threats. With continued investment, international expansion and a clear long-term strategy, this is a business building for the future.

The Role

This is a true Group role, but with commercial ownership of the regions. You'll report directly to the Board and Group CFO whilst leading a team of five legal professionals based across Europe. The countries have their own legal capabilities and local autonomy. Your job isn't to centralise everything. It's to build the right frameworks, governance and technology so local teams can move quickly whilst operating within a clear Group structure. You'll help the business navigate its next chapter, supporting growth, embracing new technologies and ensuring the Group is well positioned for whatever comes next.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and developing a team of legal professionals across Europe.
• Acting as the senior legal adviser to the Board and Executive Team.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Advising on framework agreements, MSAs, terms and conditions and strategic partnerships.
• Managing corporate governance and company secretarial matters.
• Supporting acquisitions, disposals and strategic investments.
• Leading legal due diligence and advising on transaction structures.
• Supporting Private Equity requirements and helping ensure the business remains exit ready.
• Advising on employment law, disputes and employee relations.
• Managing legal risk, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Advising on anti-bribery, anti-corruption and data protection.
• Managing insurance claims and external legal advisers.
• Developing AI governance policies and frameworks.
• Identifying opportunities to automate legal processes and improve workflows.
• Building scalable legal frameworks and controls across the Group.

About you

You'll likely be a qualified Solicitor with significant post-qualified experience. Currently operating as a Head of Legal, General Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel. Commercially minded and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. Experienced in contracts, corporate governance and legal risk. Familiar with M&A and Private Equity environments. Excited by AI, automation and technology. A natural leader who enjoys developing teams. Happy rolling your sleeves up and getting involved. Experience within engineering, construction, utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy or other project-based businesses would be particularly attractive.