The University of Plymouth is recruiting a Senior Solicitor (or other qualified legal advisor) to join its Legal and Governance team as the Legal Team Manager. This is a newly created senior in-house legal role offering the opportunity to contribute to a respected and strategically important function within a leading UK university.
About the role
As a qualified solicitor or equivalent, you will bring sound judgement, commercial acumen and a proactive approach to legal advice and risk management. You will provide expert legal advice across a broad portfolio in a pragmatic and practical way. The role also includes deputising for the Head of Legal and Governance, representing the legal function at senior meetings, contributing to strategic decision-making and supporting and implementing the strategic goals and development of the legal team.
This key role will support the Head of Legal and Governance in continuing to identify and develop opportunities for the successful development of the role and function of the legal team. You will provide expert legal advice on a wide range of matters including governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, employment law, student matters, and commercial activities. You will also play a key role in managing legal risk, supporting strategic initiatives, and mentoring junior legal staff.
Key Responsibilities:
For this role, you will need to be on site at least 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate a hybrid working model to enable working from home for this role for part of the week, flexibility to be on-site will be expected in accordance with business needs.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Melissa Rose: by email at melissa.rose@plymouth.ac.uk
What we’re looking for
Candidate Profile:
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The University of Plymouth is a dynamic and ambitious institution with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. This role offers the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment where legal expertise is valued and contributes directly to the University's success.
This is a pivotal role in University’s Legal and Governance team (which reports to the University Registrar and Secretary within the Office of the Vice Chancellor) enabling the successful candidate to develop their leadership skills and explore and advance strategic opportunities.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Anticipated Interview Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Our Offer
A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.
When joining us, you will receive:
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.