Interim Chief Legal Counsel

OverviewInterim Legal Recruitment Expert – Fixed Term Contract (7-9 months) to support a UK&E Legal function within an outsourcing services provider. The role involves governance, compliance, corporate matters (JV, Divestment, M&A), and leading the legal strategy and operations for the UK&E Division. Hybrid working with offices in Hook, Hampshire or Victoria, London.ResponsibilitiesTake lead on complex commercial, corporate and governance matters and manage escalated legal issues across the contract lifecycle.Develop and enhance the UK&E Division’s ability to manage legal, ethics and governance risks through new processes, tools, systems and standards.Lead, develop and motivate a team of legal, ethics and governance professionals aligned with Divisional strategy.Implement talent management to optimise retention and provide learning and career progression opportunities.Ensure team objectives are achieved within budgets; lead by example to implement and maintain company processes.Identify emerging legal and regulatory risks and ensure ongoing compliance across the UK&E Division.Manage relationships with external legal service providers; source cost-effective, value-add services and monitor external legal costs.Generate quality management information and report material legal matters to the UK&E General Counsel, ELT and Group/PLC Board as appropriate.Foster collaboration with senior colleagues to enable an effective Legal function that protects and enables the business.Lead on legal aspects of acquisitions, divestments, JV setup and other special projects for the UK&E Division as directed.Remain aware of internal and external developments affecting the UK&E Division and their impact on the Legal team.Deputise for the UK&E General Counsel as required.Experience requiredMinimum of 12/13 years PQE.Experience mentoring and line-managing teams.Experience at Head of Legal, General Counsel or CLO level is essential.Pragmatic, commercial and solutions-driven approach.Enthusiastic about developing team members and collaborating with ELT, GC and junior staff.Ability to build strong relationships and facilitate strategic goals.Approachable with gravitas to provide leadership.Experience with public procurement or local government matters is desirable but not essential.Proven ability to simplify complex challenges and provide concise advice to stakeholders.Experience in Corporate M&A/JV, governance, compliance, ethics, ESG and legal operations; broad commercial experience is required.Additional detailsReporting lines: Report to the UK&E General CounselTeam size: Line managing 7/8 legal professionalsWorking arrangements: Hybrid – Offices in Hook (Hampshire) or Victoria (London); travel to both offices as needed; hybrid week-by-week.Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience; banding is a guide.Start date: Mid to late September 2025; 3 months notice not workable; maximum 1 month notice preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr