General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
We are seeking a seasoned General Counsel to drive our strategic objectives and be the trusted legal advisor to the executive team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on complex, high-value commercial litigation and arbitration, with strong expertise in corporate governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance. Fintech experience is a plus but not essential – what matters is board-level gravitas, commercial awareness, and a proven track record in delivering high-stakes legal outcomes.
As Corporate Secretary, you will act as the principal legal adviser while also being the key governance officer, ensuring the business maintains the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance. You will oversee governance policies and procedures, keeping them robust, practical, and aligned with best practice.
DAY TO DAY:
- Offering strategic legal advice to the executive team on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, data protection, and complex commercial contracts.
- Overseeing the drafting, negotiation, and execution of high-value contracts, including software licensing, SaaS agreements, customers, vendors, and partners, ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal standards.
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with financial services regulations, data protection laws, and industry standards, proactively mitigating potential legal risks, including IP matters such as patents, trademarks, and software licensing.
- Managing GDPR and data protection compliance, and helping develop and implement practical privacy policies.
- Handling commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitration, liaising with external counsel and representing the company’s interests effectively.
- Developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to promote legal compliance and ethical business practices, including delivering training on data privacy, contract management, and IP rights.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to support business initiatives, providing commercially-focused legal insight to drive informed decision-making.
WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE:
- Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with a strong academic background.
- Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience, ideally with exposure to commercial litigation, arbitration, fintech, financial services, or technology sectors.
- In-depth knowledge of UK financial regulations, data protection laws, and international legal standards relevant to commercial and fintech businesses.
- Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at board and executive level.
- Proven ability to manage a variety of legal issues and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience navigating complex legal and business issues.
- Track record in leading and developing legal teams, with a collaborative, proactive, and commercially-minded approach.
AND FOR YOU:
- Location: London, Bristol, or Southampton.
- Self-motivated and able to work under your own autonomy with a collaborative approach.
- A self-starter with strong attention to detail, able to work independently and as part of a team.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS:
- Reports to the Chief Finance Officer
- Works closely with the Senior Management Team
JRBristol