Head of Legal – Commercial
London | Hybrid Working
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced commercial lawyer to join the leadership team of a large, well-established UK consumer business. This is a broad Head of Legal position with responsibility for leading a team while partnering closely with senior executives across the organisation on strategic commercial matters.
The role would suit someone who enjoys being close to the business, influencing decision-making and balancing strategic thinking with hands-on legal support.
The Role
You'll lead a small team of lawyers while acting as a trusted adviser across a diverse range of commercial, regulatory and strategic issues.
Your work will include:
- Leading legal support for a major business division and advising senior leadership on commercial strategy.
- Negotiating and advising on complex, high-value commercial agreements with major corporate customers and strategic partners.
- Supporting new products, commercial initiatives and business growth projects.
- Advising on consumer regulation, marketing, data protection, intellectual property and broader commercial risk.
- Providing legal input on acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and strategic investments.
- Managing external law firms and legal spend.
- Driving improvements across the legal function through technology, AI and more efficient ways of working.
- Coaching, developing and mentoring a team of lawyers while helping shape the wider direction of the legal function.
- Working closely with executive stakeholders and Board committees on key business initiatives.
About You
We're looking for an experienced commercial lawyer who combines strong technical ability with sound commercial judgement.
You'll likely have:
- Qualified solicitor with approximately 8+ years' PQE.
- Significant in-house commercial legal experience, ideally within a large consumer-facing or regulated business.
- Extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
- Strong understanding of contract law and consumer regulation.
- Experience advising senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
- Previous people management experience.
- A practical, solutions-focused approach to legal risk.
- Interest in legal operations, innovation and the application of AI within legal teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
For more information please reach out to Martin Evensen - martin@heriotbrown.com