Head of Legal Compliance

Job Title: Head of Legal Compliance

Location: flexible (must be able to commute to the Derby office 1-2 a fortnight)

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client, a fast-growing property technology start-up, who are revolutionising the real estate industry with cutting-edge solutions. They aim to reduce the stress, cost and time involved in selling, buying and moving home by providing a single platform for consumers to source top-rated suppliers and manage the many services involved in moving. They are now seeking a dynamic Head of Legal Compliance to set up and lead the legal arm of the business.

Role Overview

The Head of Legal Compliance will play a pivotal role in building and overseeing the legal department from the ground up. As a director of the firm, the successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Conveyancing, to ensure that all legal activities within the firm comply with relevant laws and regulations, particularly in the property sector.

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious and experienced legal professional with a passion for property law to shape the compliance framework of an innovative PropTech firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Lead the Legal Function: Set up and manage the firm's legal department, creating a robust compliance framework and ensuring all business operations adhere to legal standards.
• Property Law Expertise: Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of property transactions, conveyancing, and real estate law.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Implement and maintain processes to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements in the property sector, managing risk exposure.
• Legal Strategy: Work closely with the executive team to shape the company's legal strategy and contribute to its overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with the Head of Conveyancing: Ensure alignment between legal compliance and the conveyancing process, supporting efficient and lawful property transactions.
• Drafting & Reviewing Contracts: Oversee the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of key legal documents and property contracts.
• Leadership & Supervision: Manage and mentor junior legal staff as the team grows, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance across the board.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the main point of contact for external legal advisors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Training & Development: Provide legal training to the wider business to ensure legal awareness and compliance across all departments.

Skills & Qualifications Required

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive, or Conveyancer with a minimum of 5 years PQE (Post-Qualified Experience).
• In-depth knowledge of property law, including conveyancing and real estate transactions.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks within the property industry.
• Proven experience managing or supervising legal teams or departments is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with different teams.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to balance legal obligations with business objectives.
• Experience or desire to be in a start-up or fast-paced environment is a plus.