Senior Legal Counsel - Construction

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Legal Counsel (Construction) to join Hyde's award-winning legal team, to provide strategic legal leadership across our homes, estates, and development programmes. This is a high-profile role within a complex and high-risk environment, offering the opportunity to shape building safety and construction practices across one of the UK's leaders in housing and regeneration.

Hyde achieved a landmark legal win in 2022 (Martlet v Mulalley) which established principles of accountability in building safety. Hyde is dedicated to best practice in safety for its customers and staff. As the recognised subject matter expert for building safety litigation and construction law, you will lead Hyde's legal response to building safety remediation, including disputes with contractors and consultants, and compliance with regulatory obligations. Your expertise will ensure that risks are managed decisively and that accountable parties are held responsible, to uphold Hyde's dedication to safety for its customers and the communities we serve.

You will advise and influence Hyde's executive leadership, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, providing clear, practical guidance to support informed decision making and ethical best practice. You will also lead cross functional project teams, manage external legal advisers, and, where appropriate, line manage colleagues, fostering high performance and ensuring exceptional quality of advice.

• Lead Hyde's legal work on building safety and construction matters, including disputes, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic advice on complex construction projects, development agreements, contracting, and commercial arrangements.
• Advise on obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and related legislation.
• Oversee external counsel and work with our Legal Operations Manager to manage legal spend to ensure value for money and consistent, high quality advice.
• Support cross functional teams and senior stakeholders in delivering safe, compliant, and commercially sound outcomes.
• Drive improvements in legal processes, contract management, and early dispute resolution.

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with current practising certification for the conduct of litigation in England and Wales (or equivalent) with minimum circa 5+ years PQE.
• Deep expertise in construction and development law, including post Grenfell building safety legislation.
• Proven ability to manage complex litigation, contractual negotiations, and high risk projects.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and advising on engagement with the Building Safety Regulator.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.

The Hyde Group owns and manages 125,000 homes and supports over 350,000 customers across the UK. Our purpose is simple: by providing safe, decent homes, we help people build better lives and communities people can be proud of.

We're an organisation with a strong social purpose, long term investment plans, and a growing focus on innovation - making Hyde a place where you can develop, progress, and make a meaningful difference.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the forefront of building safety and construction law within a respected, responsible housing provider. You will make a tangible difference, ensuring that Hyde delivers safe, sustainable, and high quality homes while protecting the organisation and its residents.

• Life assurance
• Great holidays
• An award winning flexible benefits package

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to life at Hyde. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves. Our diverse perspectives help us better serve the communities we support.

Hyde is a disability confident employer, and we are here to support you with any reasonable adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this advert as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified.