Interim Global Legal Services Lead - 12 Month Fixed Contract

Joining Arup 

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

Arup’s global legal team work with the business to help build and cement Arup's strategy in existing and emerging markets around the world, through a common approach and collaborative working. We aim to offer sound advice and strategic input leading to successful outcomes.

We have a commercial focus enabling the firm to meet its business objectives in a cost effective and efficient way. We call on a wide range of skills across a global team and foster relationships with external counsel and specialist advisors. 

The Opportunity

This role is a 12 Month Fixed Term contract to cover Maternity Leave - In this role you will ensure the Legal team continues to have impact through delivery of its projects and ensure that there is continual improvement in the delivery of risks, commercial, legal and governance support across the firm. The role will work closely with the Global General Counsel (GGC) and ensure the successful delivery of key areas of focus. The role is about enabling the strategic objectives of the firm to be met and ensuring the Legal function is aligned with the business objectives across the globe. This role will allow a wide exposure to senior leaders across Regions and operational Teams. The role holder will participate in a handover of on-going matters from the Global Legal Services Leader and will be required to assist the GGC on risk management activities, legal group reporting, support global legal projects, and various global strategic initiatives.  

The Global Legal Services Lead supports the GGC in exploring work areas arising from various committees, focusing on risk management, governance, strategic policies, corporate structure, and health, safety, and wellbeing. You will develop solutions that address legal, commercial, and organizational needs. You will be responsible for the technical delivery, quality, and management of complex legal and commercial projects, and assist in developing and implementing legal policies and procedures. Coordination and cooperation with projects led by other functions on behalf of the legal group is also a key part of their role.

The Lead assists the GGC in strategic planning processes aligned with the goals of the global legal team, corporate services, and the firm's overall aims. You’ll provide technical legal guidance on various matters and establish strong relationships at all levels of the firm and across the global legal team, influencing relationships to update regional and global matters. You will understand and assist with legal, risk, commercial, and governance issues, and develop an integrated approach to legal and regulatory compliance, staying abreast of legal and regulatory changes and disseminate this information through bite-sized knowledge shares.

You will solve problems and addresses lessons learned, ensuring communication on these areas is embedded across the firm. You will have an appetite for leading and driving change, focusing on learning and continuous improvement, and a passion for delivering excellence. You will be comfortable and robust in your ability to influence senior leadership, possess excellent communication skills for strategic and operational matters, and have proven planning and organizational skills with deep sector/industry experience.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people who have –

• Legal Expertise: Legal degree with a deep understanding of corporate, commercial, and regulatory law, and experience with international legal matters.
• People Management & Influence: Proven leadership of teams, influencing boards and executives, and familiarity with industry-specific regulations.
• Specialised Knowledge: Familiarity with construction, compliance, Business Integrity industry-specific and Governance regulations.  
• Corporate Governance & Compliance: Strong background in corporate governance, compliance programs, and managing complex litigation and investigations.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills: Ability to develop strategic legal plans, excellent analytical skills, and attention to detail in handling complex issues.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, and working with Arup’s digital systems.