Head Of Legal

Position: Head Of Legal (Permanent)
Location: Vale of White Horse

Overview

A rare Reed Exclusive opportunity for an accomplished senior lawyer to step into a Head of Legal role within a large, well‑established UK organisation operating in a regulated, infrastructure‑focused industry.

With approximately 700 employees and significant ongoing growth, the business requires a confident, commercially minded legal leader to head up its in‑house legal function.

This position is ideal for a Senior Legal Counsel or Deputy Head of Legal ready to progress into full functional leadership.

⭐ About the Organisation

The company operates within a highly regulated sector, providing essential large‑scale services and long‑term infrastructure solutions across the UK.

It is a fast‑growing, commercially robust organisation with a strong leadership team and a collaborative culture. The environment is dynamic, commercially complex, and strategically important - offering exceptional exposure for the incoming Head of Legal.

⭐ The Role - Head of Legal

Reporting into a senior member of the leadership team, you will lead and develop a small but growing in‑house legal function, including oversight of a paralegal and external advisers.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and oversee the in‑house legal team.
Provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership and key decision‑makers.
Act as a trusted adviser on commercial, corporate, and operational matters.
Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial contracts, including major infrastructure, supplier, and service agreements.
Support work relating to M&A, investment, and corporate financing.
Oversee disputes, litigation, and contentious matters.
Ensure compliance with applicable industry regulation and UK legislation.
Provide expert guidance on data protection, marketing compliance, and consumer‑facing issues.
Lead legal input into regulatory submissions and engagement with regulatory bodies.⭐ About You

Essential Experience

Qualified Solicitor with 6+ PQE.
Experience working within an Ofcom‑regulated environment, or another heavily regulated sector with communications‑related regulation.
Strong background in commercial contracting and complex negotiation.
Experience mentoring or managing junior legal staff or paralegals.
Confident advising senior leadership, including board‑level stakeholders.
Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑moving environment.
Commercial mindset with the ability to balance legal rigour with business needs.

Desirable Experience

Experience with large‑scale infrastructure or construction‑related contracting (e.g., NEC4).
Exposure to M&A, corporate transactions, or financing arrangements.
Experience handling regulatory submissions or consultations.⭐ Why Apply?

A genuine step‑up into a full Head of Legal leadership role.
High visibility and influence across the organisation.
Hybrid working with strong flexibility.
Attractive salary range: £130,000 to £150,000 + comprehensive benefits.
Opportunity to shape and grow a legal function within a significant UK business.
Ideal for someone seeking both responsibility and long‑term career progression.

Apply Now

As this is a Reed Exclusive mandate, all applications and conversations regarding the position will be managed solely through Reed.

If you are an ambitious senior lawyer looking to step into a strategic leadership role, we would welcome your application