Job Description

Head of Legal

Location - Bexhill - Hybrid

Welcome to Hastings Direct

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

We provide insurance for over three million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you.

To support the Group General Counsel in all areas of the Group Legal department’s taking both strategic leadership and direct, hands-on responsibility where you will be responsible for setting and implementing the strategic and operational delivery of legal services to the business including prioritising, allocating, performance management, coaching and day‑to‑day support of legal team members and where needed undertaking work within the department. The role requires a leader who is not only strategic, but also deeply involved in practical delivery and able to roll up their sleeves to support the team and business.

Job Details

• Hands-on leadership of the Legal Department, including planning, directing and reviewing legal work, assigning activities, and actively engaging in drafting, negotiation and issue resolution where required

• Reviewing and evaluating operational procedures, templates and legal resources, identifying improvements and personally driving enhancements to the delivery of legal services

• Developing and training Legal Department personnel, setting performance expectations and development goals, and providing practical, on-the-job coaching to improve capability and quality of legal outputs

• Assisting with the design and delivery of legal education programmes to all colleagues, including preparing materials, delivering sessions and offering real-time guidance

• Monitoring, interpreting and communicating changes in laws and regulations affecting the business, offering hands-on support in implementing required actions or policy changes

• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts (including technology, data, services, outsourcing and insurance-related agreements) and reviewing or drafting policy terms as required

• Advising on and helping to resolve sensitive, high-complexity legal matters including litigation, complaints, regulatory interactions and cross-functional escalations, acting as a direct point of expertise

• Performing other duties to support the Group General Counsel as required, including hands-on involvement in departmental initiatives and complex business projects

Skills we would love you to have

• Demonstrable experience managing an in-house legal function, with a strong track record of personally delivering legal work alongside leadership responsibilities

• Solid commercial experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial, data (including PII) and software/IT contracts

• Significant background working in Insurance or financial services

• Ability to build strong, trusted stakeholder relationships across the business through approachability, collaboration and practical problem-solving

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams and PowerPoint

What we offer

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

Reward

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing – as a Band 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.

Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing programme – At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated - fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

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