Head of Legal Operations

Head of Legal Operations

For over 800 years the University of Cambridge has been nurturing and developing incredible talent, creating legends and visionaries. Our people have changed the course of history, many times. When it comes to teaching, learning and research, we are world-leading, ground-breaking and have a reputation for excellence.

We contribute to society in a big way. Our mission is to be a force for good in the world and our lawyers are key in delivering this. They support our work and we couldn't do what we do without them. They are talented, pragmatic and empowering, and we work collaboratively with them at all levels.

So, why do we need you?

While we are justifiably proud of our achievements, we are never complacent, always restless, wanting to do more, do it quicker, and do it better. We need you to take our legal service to the next level.

You will join the senior leadership group within the team with a mandate to implement strategies that optimise operational efficiency and drive technological innovation.

You will be inspired by our history, but be even more excited about our future. You will be invested in our mission. You will have already improved the delivery of legal services elsewhere and you will be keen to take up the challenge of leading us to transform the way we do things here. You'll position the legal team as a sought-after strategic partner and you will become a go-to source of reliable direction and guidance.

We are looking for someone who:

has a self-starting mindset with a passion for testing new ideas and innovating to drive improved results.

is able to proactively challenge the status quo and promote constructive innovation to bring about positive change.

works effectively under pressure and exercises a high degree of autonomy, diplomacy, judgement and initiative.

is a natural collaborator who understands that authority is built through trust and strong relationships and that successful execution relies on flexibility, teamwork and inclusivity.

displays meticulous attention to detail and an aptitude for rapid learning.

We will expect you to:

take responsibility for all aspects of the team's function other than the giving of technical legal advice.

drive the implementation of policies, standards, and best practices to optimise the way the team does things.

lead transformative initiatives for legal operations and develop metrics and dashboards to harness data for better decision-making, ensuring value for money and improving productivity.

oversee strategic workforce planning, performance management, HR issues, financial planning and budget control.

Nurturing talent is what we do. We think you will learn a lot while you are here with us. You'll not only shape the future of our in-house legal function, but you'll discover unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and career progression ... join us and become our next visionary.

We would prefer to make a full time appointment but are open to considering part-time or compressed working arrangements. Our approach to flexible working values both face-to-face engagement and personal freedom, and reflects contemporary practices. You and your manager will work together to tailor an arrangement that best suits your preferences and our business needs.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For a full role description and details of the available reward and benefits package, refer to the attached Further Particulars document.

Applications should be received by Monday 4 December 2023. Informal candidate stakeholder meetings may be held on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December 2023. Interviews will be held between Tuesday 12 and Friday 15 December 2023.

Please apply with cv and cover letter.

Please quote reference AY39316 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

Further Information

Department/Location

Legal Services Division, Cambridge

Salary

£79,792

Reference

AY39316

Category

Academic-related

Published

15 November 2023

Closing date

4 December 2023