Head of Legal Services and University Counsel

• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s legal function
• Establish standards and ensure responsive, solution-focused service across the institution
• Act as the senior legal authority
• Advise on employment, governance, commercial activity, research, student issues, regulatory matters and risk
• Oversee the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contracts
• Support intellectual property and commercial arrangements
• Manage dispute resolution and litigation, including work with external counsel where appropriate
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory duties including data protection and UKVI requirements
• Work closely with compliance teams and the Data Protection Officer
• Build strong partnerships across the University
• Position Legal Services as a trusted advisor
• Maintain effective external relationships with government bodies, legal professionals and partners

• Qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience and a current practising certificate
• Broad legal expertise
• Commercial awareness
• Excellent judgement
• Experience operating in a complex organisation
• Proven ability to lead and develop a professional team
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to a wide range of audiences
• Ability to provide authoritative advice at senior levels, including direct counsel to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal as Accountable Officer

Experience within the Higher Education or research sector

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing
• Free parking