Job Description
Role: Group Solicitor
Location: Manchester Office | Hybrid Working (2 days per week onsite)
Contract: Permanent | Full Time
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
We’re reimagining work/life balance – and you could be part of it.
In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running. We’re proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial, giving our teams more time to recharge while still earning 100% of their pay.*
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care in the UK. We deliver research-led, personalised education that helps every child thrive.
Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning. Our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, work together, and hold each other accountable to make the remarkable happen.
*Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Solicitor (c. 2–4 years PQE) to join our Legal function. Working closely with the General Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting international M&A activity, corporate governance, risk management and the provision of practical commercial legal advice across the Group.
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role offering exposure to senior stakeholders and a genuine opportunity to influence legal best practice across a complex and expanding organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Supporting domestic and international M&A activity, including managing external advisers and reviewing due diligence
* Drafting and negotiating NDAs, engagement letters, commercial contracts and key legal documents
* Researching and advising on international entity set‑up, structuring and growth activity
* Preparing internal documentation to support transactions and legal processes
* Maintaining global risk registers and supporting compliance initiatives across jurisdictions
* Drafting and reviewing Group-wide policies and overseeing KYC, AML and sanctions checks
* Supporting governance requirements, board packs, resolutions, statutory filings and record‑keeping
* Assisting with corporate transactions, restructuring and post‑integration activity
* Advising on contractual risk, liability, indemnities, IP ownership, data protection and commercial structuring
* Providing pragmatic, solutions‑focused legal advice to internal teams
* Developing and improving legal templates, playbooks and documentation
* Delivering legal training and producing guidance for business teams
What We’re Looking For
• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• 2–4 years’ PQE in commercial or corporate law
Essential Skills
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience across corporate and commercial contracts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple matters
• High attention to detail, strong organisation and commercial awareness
• Pragmatic approach to risk
Desirable Experience
• Cross‑border M&A exposure
• IP, IT/software procurement or digital transformation experience
• Company secretarial or governance experience
Benefits
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with contribution options
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” mental and physical health support
* Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
* Flexible benefits via Vista (discounts, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, critical illness cover and more)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process.
All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.