Head of Legal Services

OverviewHead of Legal Services

— A place to make things happen.

Location:

Peterborough or Bradford, Hybrid, 1-2 days in the office with travel to other offices for meetings as required.

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm

Salary:

£82,370 per annum

With over 21,000 homes across the country, our client are responsible for supporting thousands of customers and their families.

They’re proud to build positive, long-lasting relationships that go beyond housing. The work they do supports their customers and creates vibrant communities where people of all backgrounds can thrive.

They’re also proud to be at the forefront of change. They’re on a journey of transformation, finding new ways to support their customers - and their people.

About the roleThis is a strategic role where you''ll shape their legal function to meet the needs of a modern, purpose-driven organisation. You’ll lead a small team, manage external legal partnerships, and work in partnership with the business to deliver expert advice that enables confident decision-making and mitigates risk.

With a focus on commercial law and the legal frameworks of the social housing sector, you’ll review their legal services model, drive service improvements, and ensure value for money. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed a proactive, collaborative legal culture across the business.

Join them and take the lead in shaping a robust legal function that underpins their mission and values.

SalaryThe spot salary for the Head of Legal Services post is £82,370 per annum for applicants who fully meet the requirements of the post. Applicants, who do not meet all the requirements of the post, will start 5% or 10% below the spot salary.

About you

Solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience

Extensive experience as a senior in-house lawyer within a regulated sector with specialist knowledge in commercial and/or sector-specific law, and the right to practice law in this jurisdiction.

In-depth legal expertise with an understanding of legal principles and practices, with evidence of continued professional development (CPD) commensurate with the requirements of the role.

A strategic mindset with experience in business planning, performance management and value.

Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrating your ability to assess and understand complex legal issues, and provide strategic advice.

Natural leadership, management and influencing skills, with the ability to assess and understand complex legal issues, build trusted relationships with stakeholders and maintain probity and professional standards at all times

Have exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to deliver succinct presentations or advice to senior leaders and wider organisation.

InterviewsThey want your candidate experience to reflect who they are - a place to grow, a place to thrive, a place to be you.

Stage 1 : A Place to Connect

A 45 minute interview with the hiring manager. You’ll learn more about the role and team, and they’ll get to know you – your experience, goals, and what you bring.

Planned date:

25th September via Teams.

Stage 2 : A Place to Show Your Strengths

You’ll deliver a presentation to the panel and have your final interview which will focus on how you apply your knowledge to real-life situations. You''ll be asked to complete a Congruity Questionnaire in advance.

Planned date:

3rd October at their Peterborough office or 6th October at their Bradford office.

They aim to make the process clear, supportive, and genuinely valuable – a place where you feel informed and confident at every step.

A place to build a futureThey have big ambitions. That means they need people who are driven to succeed and eager to grow. There, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills, thrive in our collaborative environment, and take your career in different directions. They also support your health and wellbeing with 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time) – an extra day to celebrate your birthday and the option to purchase more – access to an online GP, gym discounts, and a dedicated day to volunteer for a cause that matters to you.

And because they believe in supporting you now and in the future, this is a place to plan for your future – with access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, helping you save more efficiently. They also provide life assurance at three times your salary for all colleagues, giving you added peace of mind.

If you require reasonable adjustments to any part of their recruitment process, please let them know they will ensure requirements are met.

Please don’t delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or they receive a high volume of applications, they may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated.

Please note candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK, our client do not currently hold a sponsorship license.

If you’re looking for a place you can make a positive difference to society, to their organisation and to your future, apply now.

Recruitment Agencies: They work exclusively with partners on their preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.

You may also have experience in the following: Head of Legal Services, Legal Director, General Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel, In-house Legal Lead, Legal Department Head, Commercial Law, Regulatory Compliance, Contract Law, Corporate Governance, Social Housing Law, Housing Regulation, Legal Risk Management, Legal Advisory, Legal Strategy, Statutory Compliance ..... full job details .....