HEAD OF LEGAL SERVICES

Job Description
Reporting to: Chief Technology and Risk Officer

ROLE PURPOSE
The Head of Legal Services is accountable for the delivery and results of our in-house legal services as well as having oversight of the in-house procurement team.
The job holder will provide management to the legal service team, ensuring the team deliver a high quality service to the business and technical expertise across all governance issues, including embedding best practice throughout the organization. The role also includes the oversight of the procurement activities, thus ensuring we have a one stop shop for all contractual issues, be it client or supplier.
In addition, they will work with colleagues across the business taking a leadership role driving legal services improvement and giving visibility and control to contractual risks.

Job description
Provide management, training and development of the legal team ensuring an effective and motivated team
Define and execute a service improvement roadmap with buy in from key stakeholders across the business to support the successful delivery of the business strategy
To develop strong relationships between the Legal team and its customers (internally and externally) evidenced by positive feedback and full utilisation.
Prepare, review and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts and documentation to assist and support various business activities, ensuring compliance with statutory and legal requirements
To identify the need when to engage with external legal advisors on such matters as new commercial ventures, complex client negotiations and property leases and employment and contractor related issues
Provide and interpret legal information, conduct training and disseminate appropriate legal advice to stakeholders as required ensuring it is understood
Deal with miscellaneous ad-hoc legal queries as required
Actively monitor developments in the market impacting Huntswood’s services and develop value adding commercial relationships between Huntswood and its client’s legal services stakeholders, as well as other legal services providers critical to Huntswood’s success
Lead on the negotiation and execution of client and supplier contracts
Ensure alignment between Huntswood’s client and supplier contracts in terms of risk management
Oversight of Huntswood’s insurance portfolio and ensure that this is aligned to commercial risks and client requirements.
Ensuring the Huntswood Procurement process is driven by a pragmatic risk based approach, with a clear focus on ensuring we have an appropriate supply chain.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A service-oriented individual with previous experience of managing a legal team focussed on and driven by developing a small highly effective team of individuals
Excellent relationship management and communication skills necessary for interaction with internal and external customers.
Knowledge of, and experience in contract negotiation, preparation and administration
Proven track record of providing accurate and effective legal counsel
A sound working knowledge in commercial contract law
Ability to priorities tasks and work under pressure to tight deadlines
A qualified solicitor with a strong knowledge of contractual law

DESIRABLE SKILLS
Experienced in managing a range of business to business contract types including the provision of client services of a similar nature to Huntswood’s, supplier services and technology services
Experience of working within regulated industries (financial services, utilities)
Good working knowledge of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)