Legal Director – London (Hybrid)
đź’Ľ FTSE 100 | Global Operations | Commercial Leadership | Research & Product Development | Governance
A global, FTSE-listed business operating across 90+ countries is seeking a Legal Director to lead its commercial legal operations from London.
This is a senior, high-impact position at the centre of a fast-moving, purpose-driven organisation. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing strategic legal guidance across commercial, product, research, and operational matters, ensuring the business grows responsibly and innovates safely.
The opportunity
* Lead and develop the legal function for the UK & Head Office, setting strategic direction and ensuring world-class legal support.
* Provide pragmatic, business-focused advice on a wide range of commercial, regulatory and corporate issues.
* Support research and product development initiatives — advising on IP ownership, data use, product safety, compliance and commercialisation.
* Oversee and negotiate key commercial contracts, including supply, procurement, technology, and strategic partnerships.
* Develop and embed robust governance, compliance, and risk frameworks across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.
* Partner closely with senior stakeholders across operations, R&D, product, HR, finance and sustainability to enable informed, risk-aware decision making.
* Manage and mentor a capable in-house team and maintain effective relationships with external advisers.
* Contribute to wider business strategy, helping to identify legal risks early and structure commercial solutions that drive growth and innovation.
About you
* Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with 8–12+ years’ PQE from a leading law firm and/or major in-house legal team.
* Broad commercial experience, ideally spanning contracts, procurement, R&D, IP, governance, data/privacy and regulatory matters.
* Proven track record leading or supporting product and technology-driven projects.
* Experienced leader with the ability to influence at senior level and drive cross-functional collaboration.
* Commercially astute, pragmatic and comfortable in a fast-paced international environment.
* Excellent communicator, able to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.
* Strong people leader who builds capability and fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture.
For more information please feel free to reach out to Martin Evensen - martin@heriotbrown.com