Head of Legal, QA Higher Education, part of the QA Group
Home working with ad hoc travel
As Head of Legal for QA Higher Education, you will provide strategic and operational legal support to the business, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and legislation applicable in the higher education sector. You will be responsible for safeguarding the business while supporting its growth and strategic objectives.
QA Higher Education is part of the wider QA Group, a global learning and development business headquartered in the UK. This role reports to QA’s Group General Counsel, with a dotted line to QA Higher Education’s CFO. The successful candidate will shape legal strategy and embed legal considerations within the organisation’s commercial and operational plans.
You will also work closely with the current Head of Legal, transitioning to a new role within QA Group, to ensure a smooth handover.
Ad-hoc travel across the UK to Leeds, Birmingham, and London is required.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Legal Strategy and Compliance:
o Provide regulatory support, including on OfS regulations, Consumer Protection Law, CMA guidelines, and student finance rules.
o Monitor regulatory changes and advise on business impact.
o Develop policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
o Advise on contracts, partnerships, and collaboration agreements.
o Support audits and investigations related to legal issues.
2. Commercial Contracts:
o Draft, negotiate, and manage agreements with university partners and suppliers.
o Oversee student contracts ensuring compliance with laws and standards.
o Manage contractual risks, dispute mechanisms, and terminations.
3. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution:
o Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
o Maintain risk registers and report to senior management.
o Handle disputes, complaints, and investigations.
Additional Responsibilities:
* Data Protection & Intellectual Property: Ensure compliance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and related laws; advise on student data and information security.
* Corporate: Support governance, statutory filings, board resolutions, and corporate transactions.
* Employment Law: Advise on employment contracts, policies, disputes, and tribunals.
* External Counsel Management: Manage relationships with external law firms for specialized legal advice.
Candidate Profile:
* Qualified solicitor with 8+ years PQE, preferably in higher education.
* Strong knowledge of OfS regulations, student contracts, franchising, and consumer laws.
* Experience in negotiation, risk, dispute, and compliance management.
* Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to stakeholders.
About QA Higher Education
QAHE is a private UK higher education provider partnering with universities to deliver diverse programmes. We serve over 17,000 students worldwide, offering courses in various subject areas in city centre locations. We are committed to accessible, outstanding higher education and safeguarding all students and staff.
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