Head of Legal
About the Role
Reporting to An Post’s Company Secretary/Chief Administrative Officer, the Head of Legal at An Post provides strategic legal services of the highest possible standard for the CEO and management team. As An Post operates at the intersection of public and private law, the post-holder will have the ability to command the confidence of senior stakeholders in both the business and in Government.
The Head of Legal will be expected to provide strategic legal advice on all significant actual or potential legal issues facing An Post in a proactive manner. They will oversee a team of solicitors and paralegals specialising in commercial, litigation and regulatory issues. An important part of the role will be the introduction and implementation of technology to streamline and improve the delivery of legal services. Part of these services may be outsourced to external providers and the Head of Legal will oversee and be responsible for this engagement, reporting on the achievement of service and other delivery targets.
This is a demanding and complex role and will require an experienced leader. Delivery of the role will necessitate buy-in from third parties and stakeholders. It will be important to develop strong partnerships with other members of the executive.
Responsibilities
The principal responsibilities associated with the role include, but are not limited to:
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Providing expert counsel to the Boards and the Executive on regulatory, commercial and public law risks to enhance decision-making and service delivery;
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Leading and nurturing the development of a team of solicitors and paralegals specialising in commercial, litigation and regulatory issues;
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Overseeing the development and management of relationships with external law firms, ensuring that all external legal resources are cost effective and appropriate for the advice sought;
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Directing the provision of legal input on all transaction and contractual negotiations, protecting An Post’s interests and ensuring that proper legal due diligence exercises are undertaken;
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Leading the development of An Post’s legal knowledge management systems and overseeing the implementation of technology to streamline and improve the delivery of legal services;
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Advising upon public procurement and employment matters;
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Horizon-scanning to keep abreast of key trends and dynamics, defining the regulatory landscape in which An Post operates and advising upon appropriate regulatory structures and measures;
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Embedding effective processes and systems for the execution of contracts and other legal documents by authorised signatories, ensuring that robust documentation management is established and maintained;
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Demonstrating An Post values and behaviours on a daily basis and addressing performance that supports/ conflicts with them.
Knowledge and Experience
The successful candidate will have at least 10 years post qualification experience as a leader of a complex legal function, successfully managing change and commanding the confidence of senior stakeholders by being an authority on navigating legal risks and managing litigation. Critically, you will have experience developing, leading and managing the transformation of a legal team.
You will have demonstrative expertise in corporate governance, financial services, public, procurement and regulatory law and you will have familiarity with competition law. A good understanding of the services and the main components of business activity envisaged for An Post is required.
You are an effective communicator with excellent negotiation and presentation skills and a consistent track record of securing and maintaining effective client relations, demonstrating string influencing and partnerships skills.
Critical Competencies
(The following competencies are critical to the delivery of results and/or to superior performance in this role:)
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Influencing & Gaining Commitment
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Change Management
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Decision Making/ Judgement
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Organisational & Political Awareness
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Problem Solving & Analysis
About the Benefits
In addition to a highly competitive remuneration package we offer access to the following:
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An Post Company Medical Scheme
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An Post Pension Scheme
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PRIP Bonus Scheme
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Paid Maternity Leave
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Paid Paternity Leave
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An Post Employee Assistance Programme
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Digital gym with daily scheduled workouts
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Secure on-site bicycle parking & Cycle to Work Scheme
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Tax Saver Travel Pass
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City centre location
How to Apply?
Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV to talent@anpost.ie by 5.00pm on 26th November 2021.
An Post is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know. We heartily encourage all interested parties to apply!
About An Post
An Post is one of Ireland’s leading organisations, offering financial and postal services as well being a trusted gateway to government services. We are transforming from the old world of traditional letters and cash to the new digital world of e-commerce parcels and financial services.
An Post’s core purpose — to act for the common good, improving the lives of people in Ireland, now and for generations to come — is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do.
We are committed to digital transformation enabling us to build customer-centred competitive services. Learn more about our annual reports, sustainability efforts and equality initiatives.