Director of Legal Services

Director of Legal ServicesSalary: £122,173 (inclusive of salary supplement) + excellent benefitsLocation: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Baldock, Letchworth Garden CityHybrid: 2 days per week working on-site, 3 days per week working from home.Contract: PermanentAre you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?At SettleParadigm, were proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger weve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serveIf you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, wed love to welcome you on our journey. Together, were building a better future.Following our merger, we are entering an ambitious new chapter. We have brought together shared values, deep expertise and a commitment to making an even bigger difference in the communities we serve. To help us deliver this, we are now recruiting a Director of Legal Services, a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of our organisation.About the RoleReporting to the Group General Counsel , the Director of Legal Services leads the operational delivery of legal services across SettleParadigm. You will act as a senior adviser to the Executive Team and Board, ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of legal compliance, governance and regulatory assurance.You will oversee the design and delivery of legal services to client departments, manage legal risk, and ensure our legal function is responsive, commercially aware and aligned to organisational priorities. As part of the Director leadership group, you will also deputise for the General Counsel when required.This is a role for an experienced, strategic legal leader who can balance risk with organisational ambition, influence at the highest levels, and shape a modern, proactive legal service.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Legal SupportSupport the General Counsel in delivering the organisations legal and governance strategyProvide high-quality legal advice on complex, high-risk mattersContribute to Executive and Board papers, clearly articulating legal, regulatory and risk implicationsBalance legal risk with commercial, operational and customer-focused prioritiesRegulatory Compliance & Legal RiskSupport compliance with regulatory frameworks including Regulator of Social Housing standards , company and charity law, housing law, data protection and health & safetyLead the identification, management and escalation of legal riskSupport regulatory engagement, inspections and reportingAssist with responses to serious incidents, disputes and regulatory scrutinyLegal Services LeadershipLead and manage the Legal Services functionOversee legal work across housing management, tenancy enforcement, litigation, dispute resolution and commercial contractsManage external legal advisers, ensuring quality and value for moneyReview and optimise delivery models (in-house vs external)Tenant & Operational SupportProvide legal advice on building safety, repairs, disrepair, complaints and Housing Ombudsman mattersSupport lawful, fair and transparent service delivery aligned to consumer standardsStakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with Executive colleagues, senior leaders and operational teamsSupport engagement with regulators, local authorities, funders and partnersRepresent the organisation externally where appropriateLeadership & Resource Management Lead, develop and performance-manage the Legal Services teamManage legal budgets and external spendEnsure resources align with organisational risk prioritiesPromote a proactive, commercially aware and solutions-focused legal cultureDeliver KPI and matter reporting to demonstrate efficient, cost-effective legal outcomesDeputising for the General Counsel Provide continuity of leadership across legal and data protection functionsSupport cross-organisational initiatives at senior levelWhat Were Looking ForYou will be a senior legal professional with significant experience gained in-house or in private practice. You will bring strong influencing skills, excellent judgement and the ability to navigate complex legal, regulatory and organisational issues with clarity and confidence.You will be a collaborative leader who can build strong relationships across senior stakeholders, manage a high-performing team and deliver a modern, responsive legal service.Must haves:Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)Significant senior-level experience in private practice or an in-house legal functionStrong expertise in housing law and/or regulated environmentsExperience advising senior leadership and contributing to Board-level decision makingConfident communicator able to convey complex issues clearlyStrong understanding of legal risk management, service delivery and regulatory complianceProven leadership and team management experiencePragmatic, commercially aware approach with excellent judgementNice to haves:Experience within a housing association or similar regulated organisationExperience supporting regulatory inspections or engagementCompany secretarial experienceExperience in legal work relevant to a large registered provider (landlord & tenant, housing management, contract, non-contentious property)Key Behaviours:Trusted, credible deputy to an Executive-level General CounselClear, proportionate and solutions-focused adviceStrong service delivery and legal risk mindsetCollaborative and influential across senior stakeholdersBenefitsAt SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.annual salary: £117,237 + £4936 salary supplement per annum30 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy optionsGenerous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrificeFamily-friendly leave : Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leaveHealth cash plan claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)Life cover and income protectionFlexible working hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV chargingAnd thats just the beginning! Were also thrilled to provide:Mental Health First Aiders available to supportCar leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships3 paid volunteering days in the local communitiesPeer-recognition rewards platformPaid professional subscription (one per year)Working Hours37 hours per week.Monday- FridayOur CommitmentWe are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.Accessibility and AdjustmentsWe are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and well always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.Closing Date: 31.07.2026We reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.TPBN1_UKTJ