Senior Solicitor and Legal Team Manager

University of Plymouth - Legal and Governance, Office of Vice Chancellor

The University of Plymouth is recruiting a Senior Solicitor (or other qualified legal advisor) to join its Legal and Governance team as the Legal Team Manager. This is a newly created senior in-house legal role offering the opportunity to contribute to a respected and strategically important function within a leading UK university.

About the role

As a qualified solicitor or equivalent, you will bring sound judgement, commercial acumen and a proactive approach to legal advice and risk management. You will provide expert legal advice across a broad portfolio in a pragmatic and practical way. The role also includes deputising for the Head of Legal and Governance, representing the legal function at senior meetings, contributing to strategic decision-making and supporting and implementing the strategic goals and development of the legal team.

This key role will support the Head of Legal and Governance in continuing to identify and develop opportunities for the successful development of the role and function of the legal team. You will provide expert legal advice on a wide range of matters including governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, employment law, student matters, and commercial activities. You will also play a key role in managing legal risk, supporting strategic initiatives, and mentoring junior legal staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering high-quality legal advice across academic, commercial and governance matters including drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements
• Managing relationships with external legal advisers to ensure cost-effective service delivery, and procuring and managing relationships with key software providers
• Leading on complex legal matters and projects, including contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance
• Representing the department on working groups, steering groups and committees
• Supervising and mentoring legal team members.Contributing to institutional governance and risk management processes
• Supporting the development of internal legal resources, templates and training
• Deputising for the Head of Legal and Governance as required
• Supporting the Head of Legal and Governance in the development of the legal team including managing the implementation of strategic and department priorities
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of legal processes and systems

For this role, you will need to be on site at least 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate a hybrid working model to enable working from home for this role for part of the week, flexibility to be on-site will be expected in accordance with business needs.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact:

Melissa Rose, by email at melissa.rose@plymouth.ac.uk

What we’re looking for

Candidate Profile:

• A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant post qualification experience, qualified to practice in England and Wales
• Proven track record in commercial contracts, regulatory and legislative compliance, dispute resolution and legal risk management
• Experience in a senior legal role, ideally in-house and with experience of the higher education, public or a similar sector
• Experience of line management and development of team members
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a professional team
• High levels of professional integrity and business awareness

Anticipated Interview Date: Thursday 11 December 2025

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.