Job Description

Job Advert

General Counsel

Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days a week in London office)

We have an exciting and rare opportunity for an experienced General Counsel to join Ramsay Health Care UK, providing strategic legal leadership across the organisation and supporting our Executive team in delivering safe, compliant and sustainable healthcare services.

This is a highly visible and influential role, offering the opportunity to shape legal strategy, governance and risk management at a national level. We are looking for a credible, commercially astute leader who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment and is passionate about enabling high-quality care through pragmatic legal solutions.

About Us

Ramsay Health Care UK is one of the leading providers of independent hospital services in England, with a network of over 30 hospitals providing a wide range of clinical specialties to both NHS and private patients.

We are part of the global Ramsay Health Care group, delivering healthcare services across multiple countries, with a strong commitment to quality, safety and patient outcomes.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Customer Officer, the General Counsel is a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive team, providing expert legal guidance across a broad and complex portfolio.

You will:

• Lead the delivery of high-quality legal advice across Ramsay Health Care UK, supporting safe and compliant operations

• Act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, advising on risk, governance, and key business priorities

• Oversee corporate activity including acquisitions, disposals, partnerships and major commercial contracts

• Lead on data protection and information governance, ensuring robust controls and compliance with UK GDPR and relevant legislation

• Provide expert guidance on employment, estates, regulatory and dispute matters

• Oversee claims and inquests, working collaboratively with clinical and operational leaders to manage risk and support organisational learning

• Lead and develop the UK Legal team, driving high performance, continuous improvement and excellent service delivery

• Manage external legal relationships, ensuring quality, consistency and value for money

• Fulfil Company Secretary responsibilities, supporting Board governance, statutory compliance and best practice

What You’ll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will be a qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with significant senior legal leadership experience.

You will also demonstrate:

• Strong experience advising on UK commercial contracts with excellent negotiation and risk management skills

• A proven track record of partnering with Executive leaders, influencing decision-making and navigating complex risk environments

• Experience operating within regulated sectors (healthcare experience highly desirable)

• The ability to balance legal risk with commercial pragmatism and business priorities

• Exceptional communication skills, translating complex legal matters into clear, actionable advice

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams

• Expertise across governance, corporate activity, dispute management and regulatory frameworks

• A strong ethical approach, integrity and sound judgement in sensitive matters

And in return?

In return for your commitment and leadership, Ramsay Health Care UK offers:

• A competitive reward package

• The opportunity to work at the heart of a leading independent healthcare organisation

• A role where you will directly influence strategy, governance and long-term success

Next Steps

Applications should include a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role.

This role is subject to background and Standard DBS checks.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.

We care. It’s more than what we do, it’s who we are. Everything we do is about striving to deliver the best care. And it's a belief that's as true today as it was when we welcomed our first patients in 1964. “The Ramsay Way” culture recognises that our people are our most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This position is subject to background and DBS checks.

We are proud to support the UK’s Armed Forces and Reservists and have already achieved the Silver Award as part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises employers who actively support Defence while encouraging other organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace. As a company we are committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community and this includes our staff as well as our patients.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people at risk. We expect all employees to share this commitment and behave in a way that supports it. All successful candidates will be provided with safeguarding training appropriate to their role.