Interim Head of Legal - Remote (Property & Commercial)

About the role

A leading UK organisation is seeking an experienced 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)
• It is essential to have a strong background in property / real estate law
• Experience in regulated, multi-site or complex environments preferred
• Exposure to commercial contracts andbroad in-house legal matters
• Experience in healthcare/socialcare would be highly desirable but not essential providing the real estate and commercial experience at senior level is present
• 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

Salary: Competitive

Working model: Fully Remote

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

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