About the role
A leading UK Healthcare and Social care organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Legal to join on a 6-month fixed term contract to cover a planned period of leave. The role includes structured handovers at both the start and end of the assignment to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer.
This is a critical leadership position, responsible for maintaining legal support across a growing, multi-site business during a period of ongoing activity and development. You will lead the in-house legal function while remaining hands-on, providing pragmatic advice across property and commercial matters.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Executive Leadership Team and Board, in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the delivery of in-house legal support across the organisation
- Provide legal advice and transactional support on:
- Leases, licences and other property interests
- Nomination (void) agreements
- Service level and management agreements
- Commercial contracts (e.g. NDAs, software agreements)
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, delivering commercially focused guidance
- Identify and manage legal risks, escalating where required
- Support strategic decision-making, including defining risk parameters (“red lines”)
- Collaborate with internal teams (Property, Operations, Finance, HR, H&S, GDPR)
- Manage contractual disputes and instruct external counsel where appropriate
- Maintain oversight of contract and property registers
- Line manage and support members of the legal team, ensuring consistent standards
- Ensure strong continuity and effective knowledge-sharing throughout the contract
What success looks like
- Consistent delivery of high-quality, responsive legal support
- Clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders and Board
- Effective prioritisation and leadership of the legal function
- Smooth and structured transition at the end of the assignment
About you
- UK qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience (typically 7+ years)
- Essential to have a strong background in property / real estate law
- Experience in regulated, multi-site or complex environments preferred
- Healthcare or social care experience is highly desirable but not essential
- Exposure to commercial contracts and broad in-house legal matters
- Comfortable stepping into a senior leadership role at pace
- Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions-focused
- Able to communicate clearly with non-legal stakeholders
- Credible and confident working with senior leadership
- Experience managing or mentoring legal team members
- Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
This opportunity is ideal for:
- An experienced Legal Director or Head of Legal seeking an interim assignment, or
- A Senior Legal Counsel looking to step up into their first Head of Legal role
Start date: ASAP
Duration: 6 month FTC
Salary: Competitive
Working arrangement: Fully remote