At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function, oversee compliance, and manage risk in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Company: Join a leading multi-site healthcare group focused on patient care and values.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape legal strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, values-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising senior leaders and driving commercial growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years' experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is proud to partner with a leading multi-site healthcare group on the appointment of a Head of Legal (12-Month Fixed Term Contract). This is an excellent opportunity to lead an established in-house legal function within a values-led, patient-focused organisation operating across the UK and Ireland. Based in London (hybrid working available), this role sits within the senior leadership framework and reports directly to the Group CFO. The Head of Legal will act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Executive Leadership Team, supporting commercial growth while ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management across the group.
The Role
The Head of Legal will have overall responsibility for the legal function during a period of maternity leave, overseeing all legal and risk matters across the organisation. This includes leading an established in-house team and managing external advisers to ensure the business receives high-quality, commercially focused legal support. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic oversight with practical delivery in a regulated, operationally complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all commercial, corporate, regulatory, employment, contentious, and data protection matters across the group.
- Develop and deliver the organisation's legal strategy, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
- Manage and mentor the in-house Legal team, ensuring effective prioritisation and high performance.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and strategic contracts.
- Provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice to the Executive Leadership Team and senior stakeholders across Operations, Finance, HR/People, Procurement, Marketing, and Clinical Governance.
- Oversee dispute resolution and manage contentious matters, working closely with external counsel where required.
- Ensure strong data protection and regulatory compliance frameworks are maintained and continuously improved.
- Support strategic projects, corporate initiatives, and governance matters across the group.
- Select, instruct, and manage external legal advisers, ensuring quality of advice and effective control of legal spend.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a minimum of 7 years' PQE.
- Experience gained in-house and/or within a reputable private practice.
- Proven experience operating at Head of Legal level, including supervising or leading legal professionals.
- Strong experience managing a broad mix of commercial, corporate, regulatory, employment, and contentious matters independently.
- Demonstrated experience managing external legal advisers and controlling legal budgets.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently at Board and Executive level.
- Experience within healthcare, or other regulated sectors is advantageous but not essential.
- Commercially astute, pragmatic, and comfortable balancing legal risk with operational objectives in a fast-paced environment.
W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Head of Legal in London employer: W&P Partners Recruitment
As a Business Development Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all within a vibrant location that fosters creativity and networking. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a rewarding environment.
Contact Details:
W&P Partners Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in healthcare or regulated sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine as a strategic adviser!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Legal position. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Legal role. Highlight your in-house experience and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can lead our legal function.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for healthcare and how your legal expertise aligns with our values-led approach.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and led legal projects, as we’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide our in-house team.
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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at W&P Partners Recruitment
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around commercial, corporate, and regulatory matters. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar issues in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal, you'll be leading a team and advising senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced decision-making at a high level. Highlight your mentoring style and how you ensure high performance within your team.
✨Understand the Business
Get familiar with the healthcare sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the organisation's values and objectives, and think about how your legal strategy can align with their commercial growth while ensuring compliance and risk management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think through potential legal challenges the organisation might encounter and how you would approach them. This will show your pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.
