Senior Commercial Lawyer

We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic senior lawyer to join our governance and risk assurance team. This role provides expert legal advice and support to clients of Operate Surrey Limited (in particular, its parent company, the University of Surrey) across a broad range of activities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with academic and professional service teams, delivering legal solutions which enable the delivery of the University's institutional objectives and our ambitious global strategy.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Legal Services, you will deliver expert legal advice across a diverse portfolio.With a focus on advising on a range of commercial contracts, you will also provide support on a broad range of work areas relevant to the higher education sector, including collaborative provision and student exchange arrangements, transnational education (TNE) projects, intellectual property, data protection, consumer law, employment matters, student matters, regulatory compliance, corporate legal matters, property and construction, and dispute resolution. You will balance legal risk and regulatory obligations with institutional priorities, providing clear, pragmatic direction on complex issues, ultimately ensuring that there is robust legal compliance across the University and its subsidiaries.

You will navigate an increasingly sophisticated governance environment shaped by evolving expectations from the Office for Students, the Charity Commission, government departments, professional bodies, global partners, and funding organisations, safeguarding the University's reputation and institutional integrity through timely, decisive action.

About you

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post qualification experience managing complex and/or time critical legal matters. With significant expertise in legal drafting and commercial contracts, you'll possess the high-level decision-making skills required to work autonomously in a rapidly evolving sector. The successful candidate will be able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision, demonstrating adaptability and diplomacy in client interactions.

In house legal experience is desirable, and it would be beneficial for the successful candidate to be able to demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas of legal practice (in addition to substantive experience advising on general commercial contracts): consumer rights, intellectual property, employment law, property, construction, litigation / dispute resolution, data protection, corporate law, finance & banking. Experience working in the higher education sector and/or public sector would be extremely beneficial.

What we can offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, hybrid working (with an expectation that you would work on site around 2 days per week), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV via the University website. You will also be asked to address some questions to help us assess your suitability for the position.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact John Plant, Director of Legal Services via

Please note, we are not looking for any additional agency support on this role at this time.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Please note this position will be employed by Operate Surrey Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Surrey.

Further details