Head of Legal

Ardmore have been at the forefront in delivering hundreds of major projects across London. We have established a major reputation for delivery of large-scale phased regeneration schemes. Some of our iconic projects include the Corinthia Hotel, Churchill’s Old War Office and the Ned.

We build homes, offices, hotels, schools, medical centres, parks, playgrounds – every facility our great city needs. And we do it with passion. With sensitivity. With style!

Currently Ardmore Group is seeking a Head of Legal to lead our Legal Department, providing strategic legal guidance and ensuring compliance across all Ardmore group companies.

This senior role is pivotal to our team, requiring expertise in both non-contentious and contentious construction law, corporate governance, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy and Advice:

• Develop and implement the group’s legal strategies to support business objectives, ensuring legal risks are managed effectively.
• Advise the Main Board, Senior Management Team, and Project Teams on legal risks, obligations, and opportunities, especially relating to construction contracts, disputes, and compliance.
• Assist with the group’s approach to corporate governance, working closely with the Group Company Secretary to ensure all statutory obligations are met.

Non-contentious Construction:

• Review, report on and negotiate building contracts and ancillary documents (including sub-contracts, consultant appointments, novation agreements, collateral warranties, performance bonds, parent company guarantees, confidentiality agreements, vesting certificates etc.).
• Ensure robust contract administration processes are in place, particularly in managing risk in client and supply chain contracts.
• Provide legal guidance and training to colleagues.

Contentious Construction:

• Oversee the management of any legal disputes, working closely with external counsel and other departments when necessary. This primarily includes adjudication, but also mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Provide advice on resolving contractual claims and disputes on construction projects, minimising litigation and financial exposure.

Team Management:

• Lead and develop the Legal Department, fostering a high-performance culture focused on delivering proactive legal support.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, and ensure effective use of external legal resources.
• Ensure continuous professional development of the Legal Department and support their growth in line with business needs.

Risk, Insurance, and Compliance:

• Support the Head of Risk, Insurance and Compliance in ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to construction, employment, data protection, health and safety, and corporate governance.
• Support the Head of Risk, Insurance and Compliance in identifying and assessing legal risks, and developing risk management strategies in collaboration with other departments.

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified solicitor with a background in construction law, and with substantial experience in the construction industry.
• Proven track record of advising senior management on legal and compliance issues.
• In-depth knowledge of English construction law, the key forms of dispute resolution (including adjudication), and corporate governance.
• Strong negotiation skills, with experience in handling complex construction contracts and managing disputes.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives.
• Experience in managing and developing a legal team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal matters to colleagues.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive legal strategy and shape the future of Ardmore. If you’re a strategic leader with a passion for construction law, apply today to join us in building excellence!

Example of Company Benefits:

• Medical Cover (Most pre-existing conditions are covered)
• Competitive Maternity, Adoption & Paternity Pay scheme
• Competitive holiday allowances, starting with 25 + bank holidays and going up to 29 days + Bank holidays (dependant on length of service), Day off on your birthday also included!
• Competitive pension scheme to help you for when you retire
• Life Assurance (Paying 4* your salary depending on level) -
• Relevant professional membership fees paid and continued support with your professional growth and Learning.
• Generous Staff referral scheme, paying up to £3,500
• The opportunity to save up to 25% on your bike via the Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on 100's of retailers and Gyms

Further Information About the Role

Kindly be aware that this advertisement for our job vacancy may not encompass all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the role described. It is subject to potential amendments at the sole discretion of Ardmore.

For a full role profile, please contact me directly at pvirdee@ardmoregroup.co.uk

Equal Opportunities

Ardmore are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy or maternity.

Reasonable adjustments

We would like you to perform at your best at every stage of our recruitment process. Please contact us using recruitment@ardmoregroup.co.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application.

Candidate Privacy Notice

As part of our recruitment process for all roles including employees, consultants and subcontractors, we collect and process personal data relating to job candidates and potential candidates. We explain how we use personal information in the Candidate privacy notice. To view our Candidate privacy notice please visit the Ardmore Group website > Working for us > privacy notice.