Head of Legal

Virgin Active is one of the world’s leading international health and fitness brands, with over 230 clubs in eight countries and over 1 million members worldwide. Founded in 1999, the group has achieved consistently strong revenue and profit growth. Virgin Active’s UK business comprises 42 premium health clubs with over 180,000 members.

An opportunity has become available for a commercial lawyer to join the Virgin Active’s UK business as Head of Legal. Reporting to the UK Finance Director as sole legal counsel to the UK business, that person will be a commercially astute, self-motivated and inquisitive lawyer with excellent analytical and drafting skills and a flexible approach. Areas of responsibility will be broad and will include advising in relation to commercial contracts, data protection, consumer law, marketing, intellectual property, disputes and transactional work as well as managing company secretarial matters and external lawyers.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent drafting and analytical skills
• Excellent commercial awareness and a practical, common sense approach
• An ability to assess and prioritise workload according to business needs
• Strong interpersonal skills with the credibility to communicate effectively across all levels and functions of the business
• A get up and go attitude and a sense of humour

Applicants will need 5+ years PQE, and may be looking to move in-house from private practice or may already be in an in-house position. The role is primarily a commercial one, but those from other backgrounds looking to change direction will also be considered. Virgin Active will consider recruiting on a four day week basis for the right candidate.

The successful applicant will join Virgin Active’s head office team at The Barbican in central London. If you have the ability and drive to take on a varied and challenging role within a high performance company with progressive values, please apply.

Your commitment:
You will be based in our Barbican (Central London) Head Office. This is a full time role, but we will also consider recruiting on a four day a week basis and working arrangements can be flexible.

The Perks:
In return for your expertise, we’ll support you in this new challenge with coaching & development every step of the way. You’ll have a dedicated Manager and a supportive wider team to really set you up for success.
Also, to reward your hard work you’ll get:
• Complimentary VA health club membership for you & a buddy!
• Bonus
• Discount on loads of Virgin products & services.
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Birthday bonus day off (in addition to your annual leave)
• Health & dental care