Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY

Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AYHead of legal servicesWith a proud history spanning over 50 years, the University of Bath has grown significantly in both scale and reputation, now home to a vibrant community of over 20,000 students from 153 countries. Renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, the University consistently ranks among the UKs top five in the Complete University Guide 2024 and is placed 132nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Named 'University of the Year' and ranked 8th in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, Bath is celebrated for its outstanding student experience and teaching quality. Its three Faculties - Engineering & Design, Science, and Humanities & Social Sciences - alongside the School of Management, develop a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and global impact.RoleThe Head of Legal Services leads the delivery of legal guidance across the Universitys academic and commercial operations. The role includes ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and leading all aspects of the legal and Freedom of Information teams. Responsibilities include tracking legislative changes, briefing leadership, and handling legal matters with discretion. The position reports to the Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance and includes managing relationships with external legal counsel. The role involves making decisions, adapting to change, and working within a regulatory framework.Provide legal advice to senior leadership on legislation and compliance.Lead legal input into governance, contracts, property transactions, and dispute resolution.Oversee engagement with external legal counsel and manage contract negotiations.Support legal processes in student and staff casework, including appeals and grievances.Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) processes and responses.Work with Risk & Compliance to meet reporting requirements.Create legal templates, toolkits, and training materials to support compliance.Maintain the Universitys central contracts repository.Conduct legal due diligence and raise unresolved risks.Direct the Legal and FOI teams, set goals, and coordinate training.Supervise legal staff and manage the legal services budget.Maintain solicitor registration and participate in legal networks.Provide legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor on institutional matters.About YouThis is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Bath as a highly experienced legal professional. As a qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in England and Wales, you bring experience in leading legal teams across areas such as employment law, contracts, litigation, and compliance. You are able to explain legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences and manage Freedom of Information processes and consumer protection matters. You guide and support teams, make decisions under pressure, and stay informed about legal developments and sector requirements. With a practical approach, you contribute to decision-making and help maintain legal standards across the institution. The role involves working with others across the University and engaging with external legal networks.What we can offer you:We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplaceAn excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expensesFind out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.Travel to BathBath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, has been a desirable place to live since Roman times. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds legal protection for its cultural significance. Residents appreciate the green surroundings, parks, hills, and independent shops alongside the iconic Georgian landscape. The city hosts various cultural events like the Bath Literature, Music, and Comedy Festivals, "Bath in Fashion" Week, and the annual Bath Digital Festival, providing entertainment for residents. Find essential travel advice at Travel advice (bath.ac.uk).Equal OpportunityWe aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.We are very proud to be an autism-friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. Closing Date: 01 Oct 2025 Department: Management, Specialist and Administration

Created: 2025-09-05