Head of Legal Operations

Because we strive to put people first.  

Culture, our way. 

Legal at Primark

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.  

As the Head of Legal, you will be a key member of the legal leadership team, responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the legal department. Reporting directly to the Legal Director, you will play a critical role in shaping and implementing the legal strategy for the Operations pillar. You will also lead a team of solicitors and effectively manage legal and regulatory risks across the Primark business.  

As part of the Primark Global Legal team you will work closely with senior leaders both within our business and in our parent company ABF plc. You will provide commercially pragmatic advice on a broad spectrum of issues and will influence strategic and operational decision making across the business. 

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, capable of using their initiative and relish working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You will be a true partner to the business on all Legal Operations, Transformation and Company Secretarial matters and have a strong ability to influence these senior stakeholders in a fluid environment.

What You’ll Get 

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. 

Let’s talk lifestyle:

Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.  

What You’ll Doas Head of Legal

In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:  

• Lead and develop a high performing team that provides support across the entire Primark business.
• Lead and manage the Legal aspects of large cross functional operational transformation projects, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation and alignment with Primark’s overall strategy & business objectives.
• Create and build an agile strategy that champions functional excellence whilst improving the operational effectiveness of the team.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal function, creating and relaying a vision that aligns with business goals and aspirations.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, clients, and project sponsors, ensuring effective communication and alignment of expectations.
• Share an engaging and inspiring vision with the team to generate enthusiasm and commitment and provide clarity and a sense of direction to enable working towards common goals.

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 12 + years PQE.
• Must have experience of private practice in Ireland or any part of the UK.
• Broad general commercial experience preferably with a volume retailer with international presence.
• Must be capable of applying a rigorous legal interpretation without compromising the business.
• Must be able not just to identify a problem or a solution but be willing to actively go about making the change.
• Strong work ethic and very comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent leader and trusted advisor with extensive experience of developing senior business relationships and shaping and underpinning business strategies.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’ll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we’re excited about our future - and we’re excited to develop yours.  

About Primark 

At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together. 

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist. 

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss. 

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.