Head of Legal - Software Scale Up
A private equity-backed technology and data business is seeking a Head of Legal to lead its legal function and partner closely with senior leadership during an exciting period of growth and innovation.
This is a high-profile role within a fast-paced, data-driven environment where legal plays a critical role in enabling commercial success. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will act as the senior legal adviser to the business and work closely with stakeholders across commercial, product, technology, data, people and operations teams.
The role offers broad exposure across complex commercial contracts, data protection, regulatory matters, corporate projects and legal operations, whilst providing the opportunity to shape the future direction of the legal function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the legal function and act as the primary legal adviser to the senior leadership team
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, technology, licensing, data and strategic partnership agreements
- Advise on data protection, privacy and emerging technology matters, including AI-related issues
- Support product and technology teams on legal and regulatory considerations relating to new products and services
- Act as the key legal contact for commercial negotiations with customers, suppliers and strategic partners
- Provide pragmatic advice on regulatory and compliance matters
- Manage the current legal team
- Support corporate projects, including acquisitions, integrations and business restructuring initiatives
- Oversee external legal advisers and drive efficiencies across legal spend and processes
- Develop legal playbooks, policies and training programmes
- Partner with HR on employment and people-related matters
- Support and develop legal team capability
Candidate Profile
We are interested in speaking with lawyers who combine strong technical legal skills with a highly commercial and pragmatic approach.
The successful candidate is likely to have:
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales
- 8+ years' post-qualification experience
- Significant in-house experience gained within a technology, SaaS, data, fintech or other regulated business
- Strong commercial contracts experience, including the negotiation of complex customer, supplier and technology agreements
- Experience advising on data protection, privacy and regulatory matters
- The ability to operate autonomously and confidently partner with senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial judgement and a solutions-focused approach to legal risk
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate legal issues into practical business advice
Experience of supporting private equity-backed businesses, technology platforms, data-driven products or financial services organisations would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a market-leading technology business whose products and services are embedded within the operations of many of the UK's largest organisations.
The role offers significant visibility across the business, close interaction with senior leadership and the opportunity to shape legal strategy during a key phase of growth. You'll join a collaborative and ambitious environment where legal is viewed as a genuine commercial partner to the business.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.