Interview Date: Thursday 06 October 2022

Reference: CSF-566-22

The University of Kent is looking to the future, having set out a vision and strategy that builds upon strong foundations in education, student experience and research. The Directorate of Governance and Assurance came together in 2020 as a forward thinking and proactive Professional Support Service, responsible for the cross-institutional portfolio of governance and assurance support functions. 

As such, the opportunity has arisen for a professional manager to join our team in the role of “Head of Legal Services/University Solicitor”.

This new role has been created in order to support the Director of Governance and Assurance (Secretary to Council) in the discharge of their responsibilities as legal representative for the University. 

We are looking for an experienced colleague who will relish the opportunity to establish and deliver a proactive and responsive service for the provision and/or commissioning of legal advice across the full range of the University’s activities.

What are your key accountabilities?

• Advising on the law relating to contracts, intellectual property, information access, the operation of subsidiary companies and international collaborations.
• Negotiation/review of agreements and contracts formed by the University including the student contract, collaboration agreements, confidentiality agreements and general commercial contracts.
• Commissioning external legal advice where required and to advise staff upon the best sources of specialist external legal advice where required, and to monitor the performance, engagement and value for money of the external legal advisers used by the University.
• Advising upon existing and forthcoming legislation that will impact upon the University’s work.
• Responsibility for the University’s litigation matters and, where appropriate, to take and defend actions in the civil courts or at tribunals.

What are we looking for?

• A qualified solicitor, admitted to practice in England and Wales or Employed Barrister with significant post qualification experience in relevant practice area(s).
• Experience of providing legal advice across a range of activities to managers in a large organisation including in relation to property and commercial matters.
• Experience of drafting, advising on and negotiating contracts.
• Knowledge of legislation in the context of higher education and related fields and current best practice in the area.

What can you expect from us?

A friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing, along with a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs).
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff).
• An excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• On-campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery and food outlets, set among green, open space overlooking the Cathedral.
• Study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts.
• On-site parking.

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ over 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and also to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process please contact centralservicesresourcing@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: CSF-566-22.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area