Head of Legal

Head of Legal (Maternity Cover)Fixed-Term Contract (12 months, potential to extend)Warwickshire (Hybrid, 1 day per week in the office)We are excited to present a new opportunity for a Head of Legal to join the UK legal team of a dynamic, private equity-backed international healthcare business. This is a maternity cover role, with the potential for extension beyond 12 months.Our client is Europe’s leading independent provider of medical imaging services and has experienced significant growth. Following its recent acquisition by a private equity firm, the company has set ambitious growth targets.About the CompanyOur client is at the forefront of innovation in healthcare, providing nationwide diagnostic services in partnership with both public and private healthcare sectors. It plays a key role in delivering national screening programmes, ensuring early diagnosis and better patient outcomes.The RoleAs Head of Legal, you will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters within the company, offering strategic legal guidance to senior management and ensuring legal compliance across all business activities. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to handle a diverse range of legal issues.Key Responsibilities- Contract Management & Negotiation Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including high-value contracts with vendors, customers, and partners. Experience in procurement law is highly desirable.- Strategic Legal Advice Serve as the primary legal advisor to the UK executive team and board of directors. Provide expert legal counsel on matters related to corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property, employment law, property, and construction law. Identify and advise on legal risks and opportunities, ensuring alignment with the company’s business objectives.- Leadership & Management Lead and manage the legal department, including recruitment, training, and development of legal staff. Set departmental goals, objectives, and operational procedures. Mentor and guide junior legal team members.- Other Areas of Responsibility - Dispute resolution, mediation, and arbitration. - Risk management and corporate governance. - Cross-functional collaboration across business units.Your ProfileWe are looking for an experienced lawyer, ideally with 8+ years PQE in a regulated environment, with broad expertise across several legal areas. Experience in property, construction, and commercial/corporate law is particularly desirable. Candidates with experience in healthcare or similarly regulated industries are encouraged to apply.This role also involves managing a Legal Counsel and a Legal Apprentice, so previous people management experience is beneficial.Given the company’s rapid growth, there is a strong possibility that this contract could be extended beyond the initial 12-month term.A Unique OpportunityThis is an exciting chance to join a high-growth, innovative healthcare provider and lead its legal function during a critical phase of its expansion. If you are a strong legal leader with experience across a variety of legal disciplines, we would love to hear from you.