W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is proud to partner with a leading multi-site healthcare group on the appointment of a Head of Legal (12-Month Fixed Term Contract). This is an excellent opportunity to lead an established in-house legal function within a values-led, patient-focused organisation operating across the UK and Ireland.
Based in London (hybrid working available), this role sits within the senior leadership framework and reports directly to the Group CFO. The Head of Legal will act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Executive Leadership Team, supporting commercial growth while ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management across the group.
The Role
The Head of Legal will have overall responsibility for the legal function during a period of maternity leave, overseeing all legal and risk matters across the organisation. This includes leading an established in-house team and managing external advisers to ensure the business receives high-quality, commercially focused legal support.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic oversight with practical delivery in a regulated, operationally complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and oversee all commercial, corporate, regulatory, employment, contentious, and data protection matters across the group.
* Develop and deliver the organisation’s legal strategy, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
* Manage and mentor the in-house Legal team, ensuring effective prioritisation and high performance.
* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and strategic contracts.
* Provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice to the Executive Leadership Team and senior stakeholders across Operations, Finance, HR/People, Procurement, Marketing, and Clinical Governance.
* Oversee dispute resolution and manage contentious matters, working closely with external counsel where required.
* Ensure strong data protection and regulatory compliance frameworks are maintained and continuously improved.
* Support strategic projects, corporate initiatives, and governance matters across the group.
* Select, instruct, and manage external legal advisers, ensuring quality of advice and effective control of legal spend.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a minimum of 7 years’ PQE.
* Experience gained in-house and/or within a reputable private practice.
* Proven experience operating at Head of Legal level, including supervising or leading legal professionals.
* Strong experience managing a broad mix of commercial, corporate, regulatory, employment, and contentious matters independently.
* Demonstrated experience managing external legal advisers and controlling legal budgets.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently at Board and Executive level.
* Experience within healthcare, or other regulated sectors is advantageous but not essential.
* Commercially astute, pragmatic, and comfortable balancing legal risk with operational objectives in a fast-paced environment.
W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.