This is a newly created, high-impact role within the Group Global Legal team at Oliver James, based in Manchester. As Head of Commercial Legal, you will lead and develop a team of talented legal professionals with a core focus on delivering agile, commercial legal support across our client and supplier contracts, driving smart, scalable solutions for our fast-moving global business and new service lines.
You will work closely with the Chief Legal Officer and key senior stakeholders across the Group to deliver practical, commercially-oriented legal advice, and contribute to the development of a legal function that is integral to business success.
We are looking for someone who is dynamic, collaborative, and solution-focused - not a black-letter lawyer, but a pragmatic trusted advisor with sound judgment and a passion for enabling growth. We were shortlisted for in-house legal team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards in 2025 and are looking for somebody to help us build on that success in 2026 and beyond!
What We're Looking For
* Qualified legal professional with significant post-qualification experience in commercial law
* Extensive experience negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts, ideally across multiple jurisdictions, including the USA
* Proven ability to lead and inspire legal professionals (qualified and non-qualified), fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and support
* Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives
* A team player who thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment
* Genuine interest in digitisation, legal operations, and innovation in service delivery
* Outstanding communicator - able to cut through complexity and provide concise, actionable advice
* Culturally aligned, with a down-to-earth, can-do positive attitude and a focus on team contribution
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing commercial legal team, ensuring professional growth and clear delivery standards
* Oversee and drive commercial legal service delivery, with a focus on client and supplier contracts, quality negotiation, and risk management
* Be a trusted legal partner to the business, building strong relationships and delivering pragmatic, solution-oriented advice
* Continuously improve legal processes, documentation, and templates for scalability and efficiency
* Maintain clear reporting of commercial legal risks in line with Group frameworks
* Manage external counsel effectively to ensure value and alignment with internal goals
* Support the Chief Legal Officer on legal and Group projects as needed
* Champion a legal team culture that is collaborative, dynamic, and focused on enabling the business
Why Join Oliver James?
At Oliver James, we don't just want a technically excellent lawyer-we want someone who will be a cultural asset to our team: someone who is forward-thinking, practical, and eager to make a difference. You'll be part of a growing, ambitious legal function that works at the heart of the business and plays a visible role in its continued success.
Great Minds Don't Think Alike
That's why Oliver James reflects the incredible diversity of the people who work here. Oliver James is committed to equal opportunity. We value and embrace diversity and inclusion of all team members. If you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment with Oliver James please contact hr@oliverjames.com.
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