VP Legal

Reference:

Job ID:

Posted:

Closing date:

Location: London

Salary: Up to 165,000 + bonus (per annum)

Job type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full time

Industry: Travel, Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism / In-house Legal

Company: Hays

Consultant: Neel Mehta

Hays office: London-City — 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside,

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Your new company

You will join a global organisation that’s rapidly growing and pushing into new markets. It sits at the crossroads of innovation, regulation and real ‑ world impact. The business is scaling internationally, optimising how it operates, and investing heavily in its Legal function. This team is central to how the business makes decisions, manages risk and supports commercial growth. It’s a collaborative, high ‑ energy environment where legal expertise directly influences the organisation's direction and long-term success.

Your new role

The role will suit an individual who is comfortable in a smaller, growing organisation, who can have an entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll lead a global team and work closely with the Chief Legal Officer to guide the company through a period of growth and transformation. The role mixes legal expertise, leadership and practical problem ‑ solving. You’ll help shape strategy, support the business and improve how legal work gets done across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading a part of the legal and policy function - setting priorities, managing complex matters and guiding a specialist team through a high ‑ growth phase.

• Strengthening global governance and risk - raising standards across international offices, advising senior leadership and delivering practical training on key risks.

• Providing broad commercial and operational support - advising on joint ventures, group initiatives, IP, compliance, litigation and data protection, while partnering with teams like People & Development.

• Improving legal operations - streamlining contract processes, sharpening tools and policies, and ensuring Legal helps the business move faster with clear, pragmatic advice.

What you'll need to succeed

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales (Commonwealth considered) 7+ PQE (guideline only), they are happy to consider individuals stepping up into this role.

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• Strong commercial and strategic mindset

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial and corporate agreements

• Outstanding communication and analytical skills

• Experience operating in a fast-paced, international environment with multiple stakeholders

• Flexible, adaptable, and entrepreneurial approach to legal and commercial challenges

What you'll get in return

• 20% Bonus target

• Excellent perks + benefits

• 140k-165k basic salary

This is an excellent time to join a fast-growing and innovative business, and have a genuine impact on an organisation.
# - Neel Mehta