Director of Legal Services and General Counsel

Make an impact where it matters most. 

At Loughborough University, we’re proud of our reputation for excellence in research, teaching, innovation, and sport, but it’s our people who make this possible. As part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, our Legal Services team plays a vital role in enabling that success. We work in partnership with colleagues across the University, from our academic schools and professional services to key industrial collaborators, helping to deliver major corporate projects, support world-class sport, and manage our estate and infrastructure across both campuses. 

We’re now looking for an experienced and forward-thinking lawyer to lead our Legal Services team as Director of Legal Services and General Counsel. This is a pivotal leadership role, providing strategic legal guidance to the University’s senior management and governing body, and ensuring we continue to thrive in an increasingly complex and regulated environment. Your work will help protect and support the interests of both staff and students, ensuring that our community can achieve its full potential. 

Legal Services is a trusted and respected part of the University’s professional services. We’re seeking someone who can build on this reputation, strengthening our partnerships across the University and ensuring that our advice and support continue to be insightful, proactive, and solutions-focused. 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and develop the Legal Services team to provide strategic, commercial, and high-quality legal support aligned with the University’s ambitions.   
• Advise senior leaders and governance bodies on complex legal matters and risk management, supporting confident decision-making that benefits staff and students alike.   
• Promote a strong culture of compliance, integrity, and ethical decision-making across the University.   
• Represent Legal Services on key University committees and projects, collaborating closely with senior colleagues, external partners, and the wider University community.    
• Drive service improvement and innovation, manage budgets effectively, and champion professional development within the team and across the University.