Bangor University is seeking a solicitor or barrister to join its team as Head of Legal Services to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months.
Reporting to the University Secretary, the post holder will play a significant, strategic role in supporting the University’s ambitions and delivery of the Strategic Plan.
Duties will include providing legal advice to the University and its subsidiaries, and when necessary, seeking advice from the University’s external legal advisers, as well as managing a team of contracts and legal compliance specialists.
The successful candidate will be an England and Wales Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with at least 4/5 years post qualification experience. They will have experience of commercial and contract law, preferably in a higher education context, or with transferable skills.
This is a temporary, part time role (0.8FTE) and the ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post.
This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.
Closing date for applications: 13 May 2024
Committed To Equal Opportunities
Overview
- The role holder will provide legal advice to the University and its subsidiaries, and when necessary, will seek advice from the University’s external legal advisers.
- The role holder will co-ordinate the response/relevant action and will provide appropriate advice in consultation with the University Secretary.
- Working closely with other Professional Services, particularly the Integrated Research and Impact Support (IRIS) Service, the role holder will negotiate, draft and advise on a wide range of legal issues spanning the whole range of University activities. This will include advising on a number of contractual arrangements, such as supply and purchase agreements, conveyancing matters, licences, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, memoranda of understanding, corporate documentation, consultancy agreements and regulatory issues.
- The role holder will manage a team of contracts and legal compliance specialists.
Purpose of the Job
To provide legal advice to the University and its subsidiaries and, where necessary, to seek advice from the University's external legal advisors.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Providing risk based, efficient and pragmatic legal advice and guidance on a wide range of legal issues to the Executive Board, senior management and staff across the University;
- Leading and developing the University's legal services ensuring strong partnerships are created and maintained with Colleges and Professional Service departments, creating effective relations with key internal stakeholders;
- Advising the University on wholly owned companies and joint ventures;
- Ensuring that the University’s legal services policies, processes and systems are efficient, effective, fit for purpose, up to date and reflect best practice within the sector and the wider legal community;
- Keeping the University Secretary informed of significant legal issues developing within the University, and provide advice and guidance as appropriate
- Instructing external legal advisors as appropriate;
- Overseeing the work of the contracts team and drafting / negotiating agreements;
- Working closely with the University’s International Education Centre to ensure that international collaboration and other agreements are adequately reviewed and drafted;
- Advising or seeking advice on the implications of Subsidy Control in relation to various University projects/initiatives as required
- Supporting and developing the University’s contract processes and procedures;
- Assisting with regulatory matters relevant to the University;
- Benchmarking the University’s legal services processes against other similar organisations to ensure fitness for purpose;
- Providing professional advice/guidance and review for legal and other contractual documents;
- Creating and maintaining a standard suite of precedent agreements;
- Advising on litigation risks, and managing litigation matters when they arise;
- Reviewing and negotiating leases/licences and offering advice;
- Providing advice and guidance to the University Secretary and the wider university community on legislative changes and case law affecting the higher education sector.
- Acting as the University’s Data Protection Officer, overseeing the University’s response to information requests.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
- The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
- The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for him/herself and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
- The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.
