About the role
A leading UK Healthcare and Social care organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Legal to join on a 6-month fixed term contract to cover a planned period of leave. The role includes structured handovers at both the start and end of the assignment to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer.
This is a critical leadership position, responsible for maintaining legal support across a growing, multi-site business during a period of ongoing activity and development. You will lead the in-house legal function while remaining hands-on, providing pragmatic advice across property and commercial matters.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Executive Leadership Team and Board, in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and oversee the delivery of in-house legal support across the organisation
* Provide legal advice and transactional support on:
* Leases, licences and other property interests
* Nomination (void) agreements
* Service level and management agreements
* Commercial contracts (e.g. NDAs, software agreements)
* Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents
* Act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, delivering commercially focused guidance
* Identify and manage legal risks, escalating where required
* Support strategic decision-making, including defining risk parameters (“red lines”)
* Collaborate with internal teams (Property, Operations, Finance, HR, H&S, GDPR)
* Manage contractual disputes and instruct external counsel where appropriate
* Maintain oversight of contract and property registers
* Line manage and support members of the legal team, ensuring consistent standards
* Ensure strong continuity and effective knowledge-sharing throughout the contract
What success looks like
* Consistent delivery of high-quality, responsive legal support
* Clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders and Board
* Effective prioritisation and leadership of the legal function
* Smooth and structured transition at the end of the assignment
About you
* UK qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience (typically 7+ years)
* Essential to have a strong background in property / real estate law
* Experience in regulated, multi-site or complex environments preferred
* Healthcare or social care experience is highly desirable but not essential
* Exposure to commercial contracts and broad in-house legal matters
* Comfortable stepping into a senior leadership role at pace
* Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions-focused
* Able to communicate clearly with non-legal stakeholders
* Credible and confident working with senior leadership
* Experience managing or mentoring legal team members
* Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
This opportunity is ideal for:
* An experienced Legal Director or Head of Legal seeking an interim assignment, or
* A Senior Legal Counsel looking to step up into their first Head of Legal role
Start date: ASAP
Duration: 6 month FTC
Salary: Competitive
Working arrangement: Fully remote