Senior Legal Counsel (0075-25) - Derby, DE22 1GBAbout the UniversityWe have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.About the College/DepartmentLegal Services sits within the Legal, Governance & Assurance Services department, a central risk management and professional support function.Comprising three specialist teams: Legal Services, Governance Services, and Assurance Services, the department plays a key role in assessing and mitigating legal, regulatory, financial, and reputational risk across the University.The Department provides timely, high-quality, pragmatic, and commercially focused legal advice on complex, high-value, and strategic matters. Through its work, it supports the University’s strategic ambitions and ensures robust legal frameworks are in place to guide and protect institutional decision-making.About the RoleThis is a senior and influential position within the University\\\'s Legal Services team. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide expert legal advice on complex, high-value, and strategic matters while also leading the day-to-day operations of the Legal Services function.Reporting to the Director of Legal, Governance & Assurance Services, you will manage a team of solicitors and support staff, ensuring high standards of service and legal risk management across the University. You will also oversee the University’s panel of external legal advisers, including the instruction of matters and billing oversight.The role involves advising on a broad spectrum of legal issues and agreements, from commercial contracts and research collaborations to intellectual property, procurement, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Executive and Leadership Team, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that supports the University’s strategic objectives.Interview Date - 2nd June 2025About YouThe successful applicant will be a senior legal professional, qualified to practise as a solicitor or barrister, with significant post-qualification experience advising on complex and high-value legal matters. You will bring a strong track record in commercial law and contracting, coupled with excellent knowledge of contract law and regulatory frameworks relevant to a large, multifaceted organisation.As a confident leader, you will have demonstrable experience of managing legal professionals and guiding a team to deliver high-quality, client-focused legal services. You will be skilled in developing and overseeing legal processes and controls that ensure effective risk management and value for the organisation.Your communication and interpersonal skills will be exceptional, allowing you to influence and advise senior stakeholders, including executive-level colleagues, with credibility and clarity. You’ll be adept at navigating complex legal and organisational issues, taking a pragmatic and strategic approach to problem-solving.Experience in the higher education or public sector, particularly in relation to intellectual property, research contracting, or procurement, would be advantageous.BenefitsGenerous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary daysLocal Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymAccess to employer-funded Private Health InsuranceHoliday purchase schemeCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional developmentKey ContactFor further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact James Fussell, Director of Legal, Governance & Assurance Services via j.fussell@derby.ac.ukFor enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.ukImportant InformationThis role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum). If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if: Your job is on the Immigration Skills List You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher educationPlease note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered. For more information, visit our website. Closing Date: 18 May 2025 Area: Senior Management Salary: £58,863 to £73,579 For exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £84,616 per annum