Associate Legal Director - Manchester - Hybrid.

Job Description

Associate Legal Director – Manchester - Hybrid

c£160-k£180k – Neg (DOE) + Excellent Benefits Package + Car Allowance.

We are delighted to partner with our client who are one of the UK’s largest specialist debt recovery law firms, widely recognised as a market leader in the provision of high quality, ethically led services, and in customer engagement and rehabilitation.

The business is enjoying a period of exceptional growth as such, to support the firms increased business levels an exciting and truly unique opportunity has been created for an experienced Legal Director to support the Chief Operating Officer with the day to day running of the business.

Role overview:

Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the Associate Director – Legal is responsible for leading the legal function, setting and delivering legal strategy, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and managing legal risk at a strategic level.

The role also acts as the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), overseeing regulatory compliance and risk management across all legal operations.

The successful candidate  will provide influential leadership to the legal team and play a key role in shaping the organisation’s approach to legal and regulatory matters.

Key areas of responsibility:

·       Lead the development and execution of the legal strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

·       Provide expert legal advice on complex and high-value matters, acting as a senior point of escalation.

·       Oversee the legal team, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management to drive high standards and continuous improvement.

·       Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, clients, and partners.

·       Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including SRA, FCA, and other applicable frameworks.

·       Manage legal risk at a strategic level, developing and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate exposure.

·       Act as a role model for the organisation’s values, promoting a culture of integrity, professionalism, and responsible business conduct.

·       Oversee the management of significant transactions and projects, ensuring delivery to budget and deadline.

·       Drive the development of technical legal knowledge and best practice across the team.

·       Support the business growth strategy by identifying legal opportunities and risks in new markets and products.

·       Serve as the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, and professional standards across all legal operations.

·       Lead on regulatory investigations, audits, and responses to external bodies, ensuring the organisation’s interests are protected and obligations met.

·       Develop and deliver the legal team’s technical training programme, ensuring ongoing professional development and regulatory awareness.

·       Provide strategic input to the Executive Team and Board on legal and regulatory matters, influencing decision-making at the highest level.

·       Represent the organisation in high-profile legal matters, including litigation, negotiations, and regulatory hearings.

·       Oversee the implementation and monitoring of compliance frameworks, including conflict checks, anti-money laundering, and data protection.

·       Lead on the capture, sharing, and creation of legal knowledge, precedents, and best practice guides.

·       Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration within the legal function.

We are interested to hear from candidates who possess;

·      An in-depth understanding of relevant areas of law (e.g., corporate, public, commercial, or regulatory law).

·      Proven track record of managing legal teams and overseeing complex casework.

·      Familiarity with SRA rules, Legal Aid Agency requirements, FCA standards, and quality frameworks such as LEXCEL.

·      Strong written and verbal communication skills for legal drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.

·      Analytical skills to assess legal risks and develop practical solutions.

·      Experience acting as COLP or in a senior compliance role within a legal practice. (new/expanded)

·      Ability to interpret and apply regulatory rules to ensure business compliance in all activities.

·      Strategic vision and commercial awareness.

·      Conversant with all the regulatory requirements and guidance such as:

·      MCOB

·      CONC,

·      DISP,

·      SYSC,

·      PRIN and Lending Code etc.

For further information, please contact Michelle Beaumont in confidence.