Legal Counsel - Commercial

The Business Nigel Wright have been appointed to support Neptune North with multiple hires into their Newcastle office. Neptune North are a Joint Venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management specialising in providing premium technology consulting services. Neptune North pride themselves on employing and developing the very best talent in the North East. As such, if you are keen on a fast paced and dynamic environment, offering a prestigious work experience and career development this role could be for you. The Role Responsibilities will typically include:

• Leading end-to-end review and negotiation of:

o Market data, exchange licenseso Research agreements (sell-side, independent, expert networks)o Alternative data agreementso Software/ SaaS and IT Services (MSAs/SOWs, cloud subscriptions, hosting, managed services, connectivity, support, implementation)

• Draft, review, and maintain standard templates (NDAs, order forms, MSAs, DPAs, SOWs, amendments, evaluation/POCs).
• Update and develop contract specific playbooks.
• Advise on contractual risk allocation: limitation of liability, indemnities, IP ownership/licensing, confidentiality, audit rights, termination/exit, business continuity, subcontracting, and change control.
• Ensure contract terms align with internal policies and regulatory expectations (e.g., research controls, information barriers, recordkeeping, outsourcing/third-party risk).
• Support the management of commercial contract workflows.
• Collaborate closely with Data, Technology, Compliance to deliver timely, accurate, and effective pragmatic outcomes.
• Maintain high-quality contract hygiene: approvals, signatures, key terms summaries, obligations tracking, and repository/CLM upkeep.
• Support the RCM legal team in other areas of their work including governance and corporate projects. 

Background

• England & Wales qualified solicitor (or equivalent common-law qualification) with relevant post-qualification experience (3-6 PQE)
• Demonstratable experience negotiating commercial technology/ data contracts (Software/ SaaS, cloud/IT services, and/or data licensing)
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with a practical, solution oriented approach and sound commercial judgement 
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, with multiple concurrent negotiations and senior stakeholders
• High attention to detail, discretion and strong written communication
• Excellent academic record, achieving a minimum 2.1 from a Russell Group university and strong A Levels

We would also prefer you to have

• Financial Services background (hedge fund, asset manager, bank, fintech) and familiarity with market data/ research licensing constructs 
• Experience with alternative data contracting
• Experience supporting procurement/ CLM processes and template standardization.

Package£competitive Next steps: If you are interested in hearing more please do reach out to Emma Smith: