Head of Legal 12 Month FTC

Your new company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established, fast-growing organisation operating across a large network of sites in the UK and Ireland. The business is recognised for its high standards, collaborative culture and strong commitment to supporting its people. With a clear focus on quality, service excellence and continuous improvement, the organisation empowers its teams to thrive while delivering meaningful impact across its sector. You will be joining a company that values professional growth, encourages innovation and works together to deliver outstanding outcomes for the communities it serves. Ideally, you will be available to start in April and will be able to get to London one day per week to spend the day with the team.

Your new role

As Head of Legal on a 12-month fixed-term contract, you will lead the in-house Legal function during a period of maternity leave. Reporting in to a senior finance leader and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, you will act as a strategic adviser across the business, providing pragmatic and commercially focused legal guidance.Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the organisation's legal strategy and providing oversight of all legal matters across the group
• Managing the Legal team, including Senior Legal Counsel and Paralegal
• Overseeing a wide spectrum of legal work covering commercial agreements, employment matters, disputes, data protection and corporate or strategic projects
• Managing external legal advisers and monitoring legal spend
• Partnering with stakeholders across Operations, Finance, HR/People, Procurement, Marketing and Governance functions
• Delivering clear, solutions-driven advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives

This is a high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives on autonomy, leadership and cross-functional collaboration.What you'll need to succeed

To excel in this position, you will bring the following:

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with 7+ years' PQE
• Demonstrable experience as a Head of Legal or similar senior leadership role
• Strong capability across commercial, corporate, regulatory and contentious matters
• Experience managing external legal advisers and legal budgets
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with confidence engaging at all levels
• Experience within a healthcare or other regulated environment is desirable (but not essential)

What you'll get in return

You will benefit from a comprehensive and supportive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work-life balance and long-term financial security. Benefits include:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to GP services
• Mental Health First Aider support
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Pension and life assurance

The organisation is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities and fostering a workplace built on respect and belonging. Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal on for further information on the opportunity.

Apply nowIf you are an experienced senior legal professional seeking a strategic leadership opportunity within a values-driven, collaborative organisation, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today to be considered for this outstanding fixed-term appointment.

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