Associate Director Legal and Compliance Services

Shape the future of legal, compliance and governance services at an ambitious, student-focused university.

Location: Ormskirsk, Lancashire

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 21st September 2026

 

About Edge Hill University

Founded in 1885 as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women, Edge Hill University was built on the belief that education should transform lives.

Today, it is a thriving, ambitious and award-winning institution with more than 12,000 students and a growing national reputation for excellence in teaching, student experience, research and innovation.

Located on a stunning 160-acre campus in Lancashire, Edge Hill is recognised for its commitment to inclusion, opportunity and social mobility.

The University was named University of the Year for Student Experience in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and continues to invest significantly in its campus, people and future ambitions.

At Edge Hill, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, contribute and make a meaningful impact.

About the role

Edge Hill University is seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Legal and Compliance Services to lead and develop a high-quality legal operations and compliance function within one of the UK’s most successful modern universities.

This newly established leadership role offers a rare opportunity to shape and develop legal and compliance services across a complex and ambitious higher education institution.

Working closely with senior colleagues across academic and professional services, you will help the University navigate legal, regulatory and compliance matters while enabling innovation, effective decision-making and institutional success.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong understanding of legal, regulatory and compliance issues within complex organisations.

You do not need to be a specialist in every area of law as the University will continue to draw on external legal expertise where required. Your role will be to provide strategic oversight, coordinate advice and ensure legal considerations are effectively embedded within institutional decision-making.

While experience within higher education, education, the public sector or another highly regulated environment would be advantageous, we are also open to candidates from other sectors who can quickly develop an understanding of the higher education landscape and regulatory framework.

The successful candidate will have experience coordinating legal, compliance or regulatory matters across a complex organisation, alongside the ability to manage external professional advisers and procure specialist advice effectively.

More importantly, you will be a collaborative and pragmatic leader who works in partnership with colleagues, helping to find solutions and enabling progress while appropriately managing risk.

This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence decision-making across every part of the University, from student experience and academic provision to commercial partnerships, international activity and institutional governance.

We are looking for someone who can establish effective frameworks, improve processes and bring greater consistency and maturity to legal and compliance activities across the University.

A professional legal qualification would be advantageous, as would experience of contracts, commercial agreements, information governance, student casework or regulatory compliance.

Above all, you will be a credible, values-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and who will thrive within Edge Hill University’s collaborative, welcoming and community-focused culture.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 21st September 2026.