Head of Legal Affairs

Immediate Media Co

3mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Legal
£100K
London

Requirements

Commercial mindset and a pragmatic, solution-led approach;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
Prior line-management experience;
Qualified to practise law in England and Wales or another common-law jurisdiction;
Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience;
Expertise in technology and digital media law;
Experience with e-commerce, privacy and data protection matters;
Excellent verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees, management and leadership;
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities with attention to detail; and
Resourceful, inquisitive, and self-motivated approach, with an eagerness to learn new skills and gain a deep understanding of Immediate’s business.

Responsibilities

Technology: advising on the procurement of all technology systems required to support the business (both on-premise and cloud). Preparation of tenders and requests for proposals, drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts and working closely with project teams for the procurement and delivery of solutions for, amongst other things, software, SaaS, cloud-based systems, databases, email service providers, ad serving technology, networks, telecoms, disaster recovery systems, HR and finance systems required to support the day-to-day operation of the business and other outsourcing partners;
Digital Media and eCommerce: being the primary legal contact for all digital matters including ecommerce, ad tech (DSPs, DMPs and associated partners) payment portals, app development and support agreements, digital distribution, podcast distribution, regulatory compliance and developing and maintaining contractual relationships with key partners and service providers. A passion for keeping up to date with new technologies and corresponding legal implications such as cookie depreciation, AI, dark patterns, UX, programmatic advertising, ad blocking, general digital advertising formats, paywall and data walls. Provision of commercial and strategic advice on industry and technological developments in digital, web and social media, assessing risks and opportunities and advising the business on new digital product or service launches with an emphasis on consumer law, data protection, advertising and other compliance issues;
Commercial Contracts: reviewing, drafting, negotiation and delivery of complex and strategic commercial contracts and partnerships, including contracts for services, brand and other intellectual property licences, affiliates, influencers/brand ambassadors, agency arrangements and partnerships, drafting and negotiation of a range of consultancy and professional services agreements;
Data Protection and Information Security: being the primary legal contact for all strategic data protection matters and providing supervision and line management for our Data Governance Officer who manages ICO registration, compliance, and infosec due diligence;
Team: management and supervision responsibilities, maintenance of precedents and owning the training programme (both in the legal team and for the wider business), assisting in the improvement and management of agreement templates, policies and processes to address recurring and anticipated business needs, making policy recommendations on contracting matters;
Compliance: ensuring compliance with company processes and policies; monitor and advise on changes in laws, rules and regulations affecting the company;
Marketing and Advertising: advising the business on all aspects of marketing and advertising law including ad approval, competitions, reader offers and other promotions and branded solutions; and
M&A: providing support to all digital-focused M&A activity, playing a key role during legal due diligence (working in conjunction with the GC) and advising on tech due diligence, drafting and negotiating supplementary commercial documents such as TSAs and ongoing licences.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Head of Legal Affairs?

The primary responsibility of the Head of Legal Affairs is to lead legal work on technology, digital media, and general commercial matters, ensuring that the legal function serves as a key business partner by providing pragmatic, solution-led, and commercially-focused legal advice.

Who will the Head of Legal Affairs report to?

The Head of Legal Affairs will report to the General Counsel.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should be qualified to practice law in England and Wales or another common-law jurisdiction, have a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience, and possess expertise in technology and digital media law.

What kind of experience is valued for this role?

The role values candidates with a commercial mindset, expertise in technology and digital media law, experience with e-commerce, privacy, and data protection matters, and prior line-management experience.

What types of legal matters will the Head of Legal Affairs advise on?

The Head of Legal Affairs will advise on technology procurement, digital media and eCommerce matters, commercial contracts, data protection, compliance, marketing and advertising law, and mergers and acquisitions activities.

What are some of the benefits offered for this position?

Benefits include 25 days of holiday plus a day for your birthday, flexible/hybrid working, enhanced family policies, competitive pension plans, a newly renovated office, and opportunities for tailored training and development.

How does the company approach diversity and inclusion?

The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values, ensuring a workplace where everyone feels included and empowered, and actively supports applications from candidates returning to work after a career break or maternity leave.

What is the working culture like at Immediate?

Immediate promotes an open, collaborative, and dynamic culture aimed at encouraging employees to thrive while being supported and nurtured, with an emphasis on well-being initiatives and a progressive approach to career development.

Are there any specific skills that are emphasized for candidates?

Yes, candidates should possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, analytical, and persuasive skills, along with effective time-management and prioritization abilities to handle multiple projects.

What is the relationship between the Head of Legal Affairs and other departments within the company?

The Head of Legal Affairs will work closely with internal senior executives and business stakeholders across various divisions, including Product and Technology, Commercial Operations, and Finance, to achieve the company’s strategic goals.

What are the management responsibilities associated with this role?

The Head of Legal Affairs will have management responsibility for some members of the Legal team, oversee the training program, and contribute to the improvement and management of agreements, templates, policies, and processes.

Immediate Media Co

The special interest content and platform company.

Entertainment & Media

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

2011

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Immediate Media Co is the special interest content and platform company, home to over 1,000 people across eight divisions. We own and operate some of the best-loved brands in the UK. And we only focus on special interest markets, engaging over 74 million global passionate consumers each month, offering them world-class content and innovative new products and services – including ecommerce, and live events. Immediate operates over 75 consumer brands and sell over 76 million magazines each year. With 1.1 million active subscribers, our audiences are affluent and loyal to their favourite brands. And with more than 90 licensed editions globally, the universal appeal of our content and brands make us one of the largest licensors of magazine media brands in Europe.  Our wholly-owned brands include Radio Times, olive, Homes & Antiques, Cycling Plus, Bike Radar, MadeForMums, and Mollie Makes. We publish BBC Good Food, BBC History magazine, BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, BBC Science Focus and the CBeebies portfolio, under licence from BBC Studios, BBC Top Gear on behalf of BBC Studios and children’s titles for LEGO and Disney.   In 2019, Immediate acquired both Upper Street Events Ltd and River Street, adding a specialist interest live events portfolio to our fast-growing, multi-platform media business.  Immediate was named the UK’s Best Place to Work by Glassdoor in 2022, Digital Consumer Publisher of the Year at the AOP Awards 2021, Tech Provider of the year at the British Media Awards in 2020, and won over 20 industry awards in 2021