Senior Legal Counsel

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

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