Deadline: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Salary: £78,821.05 pa
Location: Onsite at Head Office, Salford Quays, M50 3XZ. Please note that this position is fully office based.
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers is one of the UK's largest trade unions.
A vacancy exists for Head of Legal based at the Union’s Head Office.
There are no set hours for this position. The postholder will be expected to be adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the job, which will include working outside of normal office hours and travelling to any part of the UK which may involve overnights at short notice.
A Union car will be provided, and applicants must hold a valid driving licence and are required to live within 50 miles of Head Office.
This is an exciting and diverse role for a Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience of employment and industrial law and practice and, experience of managing a team. The in-house Legal Department currently consists of 16 staff.
What we Offer:
• Defined contribution pension.
• Income protection and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Subsidised canteen
• Enhanced family leave pay – Including maternity, paternity and adoption pay, above statutory entitlements.
• Generous holiday entitlement – 24 days rising to 32 days, plus bank and customary holidays, including time off between Christmas and New Year
• Company car and free onsite parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free health assessments
The Union does not currently offer sponsorship.
The principal duties of the post are: to act as the Union’s solicitor; to be responsible for advising on employment relations law and practice; oversight of a personal injury caseload and other services which are conducted and delivered through a panel of external solicitors; oversight of pensions and health and safety policy; development of and drafting papers and responses to consultation; the general development and improvement of systems of delivery in respect of the Union's legal services to its members.
The postholder will also be responsible for the leadership and management of a team of approximately 16 staff, including setting clear objectives and expectations, monitoring and managing performance, and supporting the ongoing development of individuals and the wider team to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and effective legal service.
An application pack can be downloaded from here by clicking on the ‘apply’ button. Alternatively, please e-mail [email protected] or telephone the HR Section on 0161 413 0904, quoting Ref: 975.
The closing date is noon on Thursday 5th November 2026.
CVs are not accepted without the completed job application pack. No agencies please.
Usdaw is an Equal Opportunities Employer.