Director of Legal Services

We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic legal professional to join our senior team as the Director of Legal Services. This pivotal role provides strategic leadership and management for the University of Surrey’s legal function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, timely, and business-focused legal advice across the full range of university activity. You will be instrumental in developing legal processes and systems, overseeing the delivery of legal services, and managing crucial relationships with external legal advisers to support our ambitious global strategy.

The role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Legal Services will deliver expert legal advice on employment law, student related matters, commercial and IT contracts, procurement, subsidiary governance, data protection, charity law, and operational property matters. The postholder will balance legal risk and regulatory obligations with institutional priorities, providing clear, pragmatic direction on complex issues, ultimately ensuring that there is robust legal compliance across the University and its subsidiaries.

The role holds significant institutional accountability as the University’s most senior legal adviser, and is responsible for ensuring that all legal, regulatory, and contractual risks are appropriately identified, managed, and escalated. The postholder will deliver expert advice on routine commercial and operational matters, as well as supporting major institutional projects, including transnational education partnerships and overseas campus developments.

About you

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with demonstrable experience providing legal advice at senior or executive level. You will have a strong understand of legal frameworks relevant to higher education, charities or the public sector – this may include knowledge of the Higher Education and Research Act, Office for Students regulation, charity law and/or public procurement. 

The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in drafting and reviewing comprehensive governance frameworks, policies, and terms of reference, demonstrating a robust technical understanding of both risk management and governance frameworks, coupled with a deep understanding of the governance implications arising from major partnerships, collaborations, and commercial ventures. 

The role requires high-level autonomous decision making and expert problem solving in a complex and rapidly evolving regulatory environment - the successful candidate will be expected to interpret ambiguous legislation and must be confident making informed judgements and finding solutions where precedent may be limited or non-existent.

What we can offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter via the University website.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sarah Dent via [email protected] 

Please note the University is closed from 25th December - 4th January inclusive.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 18 Jan 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits Package