Head of Legal Operations (maternity cover) [Temporary Cover]

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or until the return of the post holder.

The University of Cambridge is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and research. Our in-house legal team enables that mission by providing reliable and pragmatic advice. 

We are seeking  fixed-term maternity leave cover to lead our legal operations and maintain continuity. You will help sustain service quality, progress improvements which are already underway and support the team during the leave period. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we welcome applications from ambitious candidates who can demonstrate the capability and mindset to succeed, including those who may not currently be operating at the level described, but who aspire to do so.

You will join the Legal Services team with a mandate to head legal operations, covering business-as-usual operations and the support and progression of strategies that optimise operational efficiency and drive technological innovation.  

You will have experience improving the delivery of services and / or operations elsewhere, and you will be keen to take up the challenge of helping us to continue to improve and evolve during the cover period. You'll help position the legal team as a sought-after strategic partner and you will become a go-to source of reliable direction and guidance for colleagues, supporting continuity and momentum.

We are looking for someone who:

• has a self-starting mindset with a passion for testing new ideas and innovating to drive improved results.
• is able to proactively challenge the status quo and promote constructive innovation to bring about positive change.
• works effectively under pressure and exercises a high degree of autonomy, diplomacy, judgement and initiative.
• is a natural collaborator who understands that authority is built through trust and strong relationships and that successful execution relies on flexibility, teamwork and inclusivity.
• displays meticulous attention to detail and an aptitude for rapid learning.

We will expect you to:

• take responsibility for all aspects of the team's function other than the giving of technical legal advice.
• support the continued development and application of policies, standards, and best practices to optimise the way the team works.
• progress key improvement initiatives for legal operations and develop metrics and dashboards to harness data for better decision-making, ensuring value for money and improving productivity.
• oversee strategic workforce planning, performance management, HR issues, financial planning and budget control.

We will support your development during this appointment. You will gain valuable experience through strengthening the quality and efficiency of our legal service while contributing to the successful delivery of the University's mission. 

To apply online and to view further information about the role, click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal candidate stakeholder meetings will be held w/c 9th February 2026

Please apply with your CV and cover letter.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

We would prefer to make a full-time appointment but are open to considering part-time or compressed working arrangements. Hybrid working options can be discussed at interview. You and your manager will work together to tailor an arrangement that best suits your preferences and our business needs during the maternity leave cover period.

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