This role is a UK-based, hybrid role based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
About the role:
The Senior Legal Counsel will be involved in some of UCAS’ most significant and complex legal matters (particularly with supplier contracts), often as part of a cross functional team. This role will provide risk-based, pragmatic legal advice and guidance that enables the organisation to meet its strategic objectives. This role will also support the wider legal and governance teams.
Skills, qualifications and experience:
- Significant experience of providing legal advice either on complex commercial contracts with a solid grasp of contract law or complex data sharing arrangements and data governance issues.
- Significant post-qualification experience obtained either in-house or in private practice.
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
- Able to analyse and accurately interpret, contract/data protection terms and identify the potential risks flowing from them.
- Extensive experience of leading contract negotiations.
- Ability to identify legal and commercial risks, contextualise those risks and present effective risk mitigation strategies.
- Commercial awareness and pragmatism. Able to discern legal issues from business issues and tailor advice to recognise commercial considerations and practical realities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate complex issues in clear, easy to understand, language.
- The confidence and gravitas to build trust, proactively contribute to discussions and constructively challenge decisions when required.
- Enthusiasm for supporting junior legal colleagues and helping them to develop.
- An understanding of the role of an in-house legal team and an interest in helping to develop and advance the team’s strategic plans.
- Ability to work autonomously on matters, using your initiative to propose solutions, actions, and next steps to get things done and support the achievement of UCAS’ business objectives.
Package:
- Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
- Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies
- Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts
- 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
- Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools
- Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office
- Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders
- Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond
