At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on corporate finance and M&A, shaping strategic vision.
- Company: Join Ocado Group, a leader in online grocery using cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days remote work, private medical insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic team driving innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years in corporate law; strong transactional experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop junior team members and improve legal operations.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, or union membership status.
About Us
Our teams are putting the world’s retailers online using the cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. We provide services to partner clients globally via our innovative advanced robotics technology, known as the Ocado Smart Platform ("OSP"), which drives our highly automated, multi-million pound Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs). In our CFCs, along with proprietary software applications, we operate a world-class online grocery business that automates the single pick of products, ready for your online delivery.
About the role
The Head of Legal – Corporate and Finance will lead the delivery of strategic legal and commercial advice across the Ocado Group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, capital markets, and other transactional matters—both in the UK and internationally. This role includes supervising and developing other Legal Counsel within the team.
The ideal candidate will provide high-quality, timely legal counsel on all aspects of corporate and finance law, playing a key role in shaping and executing the legal team’s strategic vision. A collaborative mindset is essential. The successful candidate will build strong, trusted partnerships across all levels of the organisation, including with executive leadership, to support Ocado’s continued and sustainable growth.
The role will also provide critical support to the Associate General Counsel and may represent them in senior leadership and management forums—helping to drive strategic decisions and ensure legal considerations are embedded in the company’s broader business agenda.
Accountabilities
- Being a trusted strategic partner for key stakeholders across the business, including the CFO and other Executive Directors, and the go-to subject matter expert for all corporate and finance legal matters for Ocado Group.
- Proactively identifying legal changes that could affect our operations and strategic priorities, working with relevant stakeholders to develop solutions and achieve advantageous outcomes.
- Managing, coaching, and developing junior team members to deliver high-quality, commercial advice in a timely manner.
- Overseeing all legal input for domestic and international corporate and M&A transactions, investments, reorganisations, and all corporate financing and capital market transactions.
- Drafting and advising on intra-group arrangements and agreements.
- Supporting the integration of new and existing investments and acquisitions.
- Fostering a results-oriented culture within the team.
- Anticipating, identifying, and advising on potential legal issues in corporate and financing arrangements, collaborating with relevant teams.
- Ensuring corporate governance compliance, including competition/antitrust and market abuse policies, in transactions.
- Applying a pragmatic and customer-focused approach to risk management.
- Communicating effectively and adapting responses to stakeholders in challenging situations.
- Managing external counsel to deliver risk and cost-effective legal support.
- Contributing to legal team strategy and initiatives to raise its profile.
- Developing and providing legal training and updates to the business.
- Creating standard contract templates and know-how materials for corporate and finance matters.
- Building and maintaining relationships with external counsel.
- Improving legal systems and operations, including automation.
- Supporting the legal budget for corporate and finance transactions.
- Supporting and developing the wider Legal team.
About you
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with a corporate law specialism and at least 7 years PQE (candidates with less experience but demonstrating necessary skills will also be considered).
- Trained at a leading law firm or well-regarded in-house team, with strong emphasis on corporate and finance transactions.
- Extensive experience in domestic and cross-border transactions, including managing complex M&A deals, capital raisings, reorganisations, joint ventures, and general corporate advisory work.
- Proven ability to work effectively with senior management and operate autonomously in challenging situations.
- Strong academic credentials.
Preferred (additional) experience
- Experience within an in-house legal team.
- Antitrust / competition law expertise.
- Experience working with technology organizations.
What we offer you
- 30 days’ remote work policy.
- Wellbeing support via apps and Employee Assistance Program.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 27 after 5 years (plus optional holiday purchase).
- Pension options, including employer matching up to 7%.
- Private Medical Insurance (within the first month).
- Income Protection (up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance (3x salary).
- Paid maternity and paternity leave.
- Interest-free Train Ticket loan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Shuttle buses to train stations.
- Participation in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn schemes.
- Discounts on Ocado.com and free delivery (within the first month).
Stay in the loop
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Head of Legal - Corporate and Finance employer: Ocado Technology Group
Contact Detail:
Ocado Technology Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal - Corporate and Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the corporate and finance legal sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role at Ocado Group.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Ocado Group's business model and recent developments in their technology and operations. Understanding their innovative approach will help you demonstrate your alignment with their strategic vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with mergers and acquisitions, particularly any complex deals you've managed. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to navigate challenging situations and work with senior management.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative mindset by thinking of ways you can contribute to team dynamics. Consider how you can support and develop junior team members, as this aligns with the role's emphasis on coaching and fostering a results-oriented culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal - Corporate and Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in corporate and finance law, particularly any relevant mergers and acquisitions or capital markets work. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with Ocado Group's needs, particularly your ability to provide strategic legal advice and manage complex transactions.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves supervising and developing junior team members, emphasise your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've coached or mentored others in previous roles, and how this has contributed to their success.
Highlight Collaborative Mindset: Ocado values collaboration, so be sure to mention instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or built strong relationships with stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to be a trusted partner within the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Technology Group
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Ocado Group's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to equality and innovation will help you align your responses with their ethos, showcasing that you're a good fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on corporate and finance law, be ready to discuss specific legal concepts, recent case law, and your experience with M&A transactions. Prepare examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you've navigated complex legal challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Legal, you'll be expected to manage and develop a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style, how you've mentored junior lawyers, and any initiatives you've led that improved team performance or legal processes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Ocado Group is looking for someone who can act as a strategic partner. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to business strategy in previous roles, particularly in relation to legal considerations in corporate governance and compliance.