Head of Legal Services
Swansea University has been voted Top University in Wales (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and is a top 30 UK university. Having celebrated its centenary in 2020, the University is ambitious, highly successful and has enjoyed a period of growth, with annual turnover now reaching £370 million, employing c.3300 staff and supporting 27,000 students. Students are at the heart of the University’s strategy, as evidenced by its Top 10 International ranking in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 and the continued investment in its facilities, including its new Bay Campus, a £450 million beachfront development which doubled its research and teaching capacity. It is an exciting and transformative time to join the University as it focuses on the future.
Swansea University is now seeking a Head of Legal Services. Reporting to the University Secretary, this is a crucial role in supporting and delivering the University’s overarching strategy, including continuing to build upon its solid base and becoming a sustainable Top 30 UK University. The Head of Legal Services will lead the legal team in supporting the University to realise its ambitions. The individual will be responsible for the provision of high-quality, effective, customer focused and timely legal advice through internal and external resources within an appropriate risk framework. They will ensure the team is appropriately resourced, with sufficient experience and functional specialism, as well as developing and delivering a Legal Services Strategy which positions the function as a key enabler within the University.
The appointee will be an engaging, inclusive and inspiring leader who brings excellent influencing and collaborative working skills. Engaging and supporting external and internal stakeholders at senior level, they will be able to manage complexity, operate with sensitivity and become a highly trusted advisor to colleagues. The successful candidate will be legally qualified and have worked either in private practice or in an in-house role at a senior level within a related organisation.
Applications are invited through Executive Jobs Opportunities | Odgers Berndtson by 16:00 on June 2nd 2023. Please email OdgersWalesPractice@odgers.com for a further conversation. Applicants are welcome to apply through the medium of Welsh or English. Applications through Welsh are encouraged and will not be treated less favourably.
Swansea University is committed to providing an excellent working environment that’s free from unfair discrimination and is supported by warm and welcoming communities. It aims to help colleagues achieve the right work-life balance for them and has a range of benefits to help support this. It welcomes applications from those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Closing date for applications is: 16:00 on Friday 2nd June 2023