Director of Legal

Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family-owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel. Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the every day. We have a currently recruiting for a Director of Legal for Hand Picked Hotels this is a new role and will be responsible for overseeing and managing the legal affairs for Hand Picked Hotels in conjunction with external counsel and the Terra Firma legal team (in Teffa Firma’s capacity as adviser to the Hands Family Office)This role we be based at the group support office for Hand Picked Hotels in Sevenoaks in Kent.About the role:•This role will take ownership of all legal matters arising in the business including (but not limited to) employment, commercial contracts, brand protection, data protection, compliance and dispute resolution. •Implementing robust corporate governance and risk management structures will also be a priority.•Contribute to HPH’s strategic planning by identifying legal issues and opportunities and recommending appropriate courses of action. •Identify and mitigate legal risks to the business, including developing and implementing risk management strategies, ensuring policies and procedures are appropriate and enforced, and conducting legal risk assessments and audits with the Head of Risk and Compliance.•Partner with the HPH Leadership Team in the negotiation, drafting, review, execution and administration of commercial contracts, particularly those related to sales, suppliers and service providers•Maintain oversight of potential and actual claims particularly from hotel guests and employees.•Act as compliance officer ensuring the company complies with applicable laws and regulations, including licensing, health and safety and labour laws.•Handle and lead on dispute resolution, litigation and employment related legal matters, in close partnership with external legal counsel and the Terra Firma legal team.•Develop partnerships with external legal counsel and manage legal budgets efficiently. •Fulfil the role of company secretary.About you:•Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with solid training from a reputable (top-tier) law firm and/or business and at least 6 years’ post-qualification experience. •Experience as a senior legal counsel in a fast-paced, consumer-facing business environment with experience in commercial law, employment law and the hospitality sector will be advantageous.•Prior experience leveraging AI effectively to improve efficiency.•Experience working with a family office/private shareholder backed businesses.•Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, transformational environment and manage multiple priorities.•Methodical approach with excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. •Experience instructing, working with and managing external legal counsel.•Effective leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.•Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.•Ability to think strategically and provide legal advice that aligns with the group’s goals.•Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate legal risks.•Committed to upholding the highest standards of legal ethics and professional conduct.Our Benefits: •Competitive salary package, (discussed at interview).•Generous company pension, private medical insurance & life assurance.•33 days holiday (including bank holidays) and enhanced sick pay.•Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.•Ongoing career development with in-house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry-recognised courses.•Colleague discounts on hotel stays, food & drink, and annual loyalty rewards.•Access to retail and wellness discounts via our online benefits platform.•A welcoming, inclusive culture where long-term friendships and diversity are celebrated.

Created: 2025-08-01