HEAD OF LEGAL

Purpose of the Role: This is a senior leadership role within the Legal function, supporting the General Counsel and helping the business achieve its commercial objectives within a clear legal, regulatory and governance framework. You will lead and develop the Legal team, own significant and complex matters, advise senior leaders and deputise for the General Counsel where appropriate. You will also help shape the way legal support is delivered, improving processes, standards and consistency across the function while maintaining a practical and proportionate approach to risk. Key Responsibilities: • Lead, manage and develop a team of solicitors and contract managers, setting priorities and maintaining high professional standards. • Act as a trusted adviser to the Executive Team and senior leaders, providing clear, practical and commercially focused advice. • Lead legal support for material customer, supplier, technology, business partner, distribution and agency arrangements. • Oversee complex contract negotiations and ensure material contracts receive appropriate stakeholder review and approval before signature. • Identify and manage significant legal and regulatory risks, escalating material issues with clear recommendations. • Advise on telecommunications regulation, data protection and privacy, and relevant financial-services regulation. • Support the General Counsel on corporate governance, strategic projects, transactions and matters considered by the Executive Team or Board. • Lead or oversee significant disputes, investigations and business incidents, including strategy, escalation and remediation. • Improve the effectiveness of legal delivery through clear precedents, playbooks, processes and appropriate use of technology. • Manage external legal advisers, ensuring quality, cost control and value for money. • Be vigilant for possible fraudulent activity and if necessary, raise a security incident report using the template accessible via the corporate Intranet. • Periodically review the company Security Policies – centrally hosted on the Intranet - to ensure full compliance with current legal, regulatory and company requirements. • If you are a Manager of staff, you must ensure: * your team are aware of their security responsibilities & know how to access the company Security Policies hosted on the Intranet; * the principles listed with the company Security Policy Statement document are embedded within the operations of your team. • Carry out any ‘ad hoc’ assignments as and when required. • To be compliant with health and safety company policy and legislation. Experience, Knowledge & Expertise – Essential Experience • A qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales, or an equivalent appropriate legal qualification, with substantial relevant post qualification experience. • Strong commercial legal experience, including leading complex negotiations and advising in a fast-moving business environment. • Experience of leading, managing and developing legal professionals. • Credibility and confidence when advising, influencing and constructively challenging senior stakeholders. • Sound legal and commercial judgement, including knowing which risks can be managed, and which require escalation. • The ability to turn complex legal or regulatory issues into concise, practical recommendations. • A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, strong ownership and the ability to manage competing priorities with integrity