Head of Legal (Commercial)
Hybrid working - Manchester city centre
Want to change the world? A career that makes a difference
We're not a bank that follows the crowd. Instead, we like to stand out for all the right reasons. Our bank is built on co-operative values that stand strong today. A lot has happened in 150 years, we don't just help people with their money, but help people fight for justice and the causes they care about. Our unique customer-led Ethical Policy, has made us a natural leader in environmental and social issues today, and we're market leaders in ESG as rated by leading ESG ratings agency Sustainalytics*.
There has never been a more pressing time for our Bank to focus our efforts on causes that matter to our customers and colleagues. Why not see where you can make a change, and join the UK's original ethical bank to continue our ambitions to lead the industry on environmental and social issues in 2024 and beyond.
This role is predominantly home working, with the expectation to attend our Manchester city centre HQ once per week.
Our role:
We are looking for a dynamic leader to head a team of Solicitors and Paralegals providing expert and specialist business focussed legal advice to business teams, key stakeholders and the procurement function. This role will involve guiding and supporting a wide range of commercial matters including drafting, negotiating and interpreting commercial contracts such as major outsourcing, supply, marketing & distribution and software licences.
The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in the financial services industry or be ready to step into a leadership role driving excellence and ensuring our commercial activities are legally sound.
Key Accountabilities:
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
- 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.
What You Can Expect From Us:
- Flexible and home working options
- Bonus scheme based on personal and business performance
- 27 days holiday rising to 30 with service, plus opportunity to buy 5 extra days
- Competitive pension with up to 10% employer contribution
- Income protection / life assurance
- Commitment from employers on continued learning & development
- Wellbeing support 'Help@Hand' offers mental health support, physiotherapy, GP's for both you and your family.
- 2 paid days for volunteering per year
- 'MyReward' corporate discount for over 800 retailers and Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies and supportive working environment
- Colleague network groups committed to inclusion and diversity within our Bank.
We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time.
Our Bank is passionate and committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and lifestyles who can work with us in maintaining a culture of belonging, where people are valued and respected
If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact careers@co-operativebank.co.uk
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.
*Rated by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Regional Banks sub-industry with a score of 8.5 as of 9 October 2023.