Deputy University Secretary and Director of Legal Services

We are seeking a visionary and highly skilled legal professional to lead our Legal Services department. As the most senior lawyer in the University, you will provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership, oversee governance and compliance, and manage a dynamic team of professionals. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our institution’s decision-making, offering the opportunity to shape legal strategy across a wide spectrum of university operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Legal Services, ensuring high-quality, timely legal advice across the University
• Advise the Vice Chancellor, Executive Board, and senior stakeholders on complex legal matters
• Oversee legal risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks
• Ensure that the University’s contracts and other arrangements with third parties are legally sound and at an appropriate balance of risk
• Represent the University in litigation and dispute resolution
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies
• Promote a culture of integrity, inclusion, and professional excellence

About You

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience
• Proven leadership in a complex legal or regulatory environment
• Expertise in public, commercial, and information law, and dispute resolution
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
• Experience in Higher Education or public sector is highly desirable
• Commitment to ethical practice and continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

Our University is a vibrant, inclusive community committed to academic excellence and social impact. With Strategy 2035 you will be part of a leadership team shaping the future of education, research, and innovation.

We offer a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment where your expertise will make a lasting difference.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert, so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.