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Head of Legal (Commercial)

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Legal
  • Manchester

AI generated summary

  • You must be a qualified commercial contract lawyer with banking experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead a legal team while managing commercial risks effectively.
  • You will lead legal services, advise on IP and regulatory issues, manage external law firms, and enhance departmental efficiency while ensuring risk management and team development.

Requirements

  • Qualified commercial contract lawyer
  • Substantial post – qualification experience in providing legal advice in relation to retail and business banking
  • Substantial knowledge of the UK banking sector, competitor awareness and industry developments.
  • Knowledge of relevant processes, procedure and policy.
  • Analytical thinking, with the ability to understand key issues and support change
  • Excellent negotiating, networking communication and influencing skills to manage relationships and navigate challenges.
  • Commercially astute and comfortable providing robust and pragmatic advice;
  • Proven ability to draft complex and often heavily-negotiated commercial contracts;
  • Experience of working in the financial services sector (including dealing with regulators) would be an advantage;
  • Highly motivated and pro-active, with excellent attention to detail;
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. An ability to adapt communication style whilst retaining professionalism and effectiveness.
  • Ability to challenge without being perceived as a barrier to the business accomplishing its goals.
  • Ability to manage a workload and prioritise matters.
  • Ability to identify commercial risks and propose innovative practical legal solutions.
  • Knowledge and understanding of internal and external legal risk.
  • Committed to the continuous improvement of systems and processes.
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of internal and external legal risk
  • Significant influencing skills and upwards management
  • Able to challenge senior stakeholders across the business
  • Ability to lead, manage, motivate and develop a legal team through organisational change with positive impact on culture/values/engagement
  • Unquestionable values–based integrity, with an unswerving commitment to the professional regulatory responsibilities of a solicitor, with behaviour consistently guided by what is “right” and not what is expedient.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the team directing the provision of an appropriate range of legal services including:
  • Advising the business and procurement on IP, data protection and regulatory issues such as FCA and PRA outsourcing requirements.
  • Co-ordinating and managing advice from Panel law firms.
  • Developing and implementing policy, procedure and know-how to improve efficiencies across the legal department and wider business.
  • Awareness of the current legal and regulatory issues that impact upon the commercial aspects of the retail finance sector and keep abreast of any future changes through proactive horizon scanning.
  • Driving robust risk management and control across area of accountability. Ensure effective systems and controls are in place and that all risks are identified, managed, and monitored and reported in line with the Bank Risk Management Framework; and adhering to the Values and Ethics of the Bank on a day to day basis.
  • Lead, motivate, manage and develop the Commercial Contracts Legal team to ensure an effective working environment and consistently high performance.
  • Ensure Commercial Contracts Legal is actively contributing to the management of legal risk within the Bank.
  • Contribute to monthly Legal risk meetings and KRI submissions.

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

Yes, we support remote work in a hybrid format, with the expectation to attend our Manchester city centre HQ once per week.

What is the job title for this role?

The job title is Head of Legal (Commercial).

Where is this position located?

The position is located in Manchester city centre.

Is this a permanent or temporary position?

This is a permanent position.

What is the contact email for applications?

The contact email for applications is Careers@co-operativebank.co.uk.

What experience is required for this role?

Substantial post-qualification experience in providing legal advice related to retail and business banking is required.

What are the key responsibilities of the Head of Legal (Commercial)?

Key responsibilities include leading the legal team, advising on commercial contracts, managing legal services, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

What qualifications must candidates possess?

Candidates must be qualified commercial contract lawyers.

Are there any opportunities for career development?

Yes, there is a commitment from employers on continued learning and development.

What benefits are offered for this position?

Benefits include flexible working options, a bonus scheme, 27 days of holiday (rising to 30 with service), competitive pension contributions, and wellbeing support.

Finance
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1872
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Our story began in 1872 in Victorian Rochdale and the co-operative values on which our bank was built 150 years ago still stand today. They are more than the foundations of the bank, they are what connect us together – colleagues, customers, the businesses who bank with us, charities we support and the issues we stand for. Since 1992, our unique customer-led Ethical Policy gives our customers a say in how their money is used and commits us to campaigning for the causes that matter to them. Because unlike a lot of banks, we understand the power your money has, and the difference it can make to the planet, people, and the community. We haven’t financed the production or extraction of fossil fuels for over 20 years and we won’t do business with organisations that fail to implement basic human rights. Do you know how your bank invests your money? Not many people do.