Head of Legal / Sole Counsel

Head of Legal / Sole Counsel

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 Β£ / year (est.) No working from home possible
BCL Legal In-House

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal adviser role, providing support on commercial agreements and regulatory matters.
  • Company: Established UK financial services business with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Significant autonomy, visibility, and opportunity to influence strategic decisions.
  • Other info: Office-based role in Liverpool with some flexibility and occasional travel.
  • Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in a growing industry.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years' PQE, strong commercial contracts experience, and knowledge of FCA regulations.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 Β£ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced commercial lawyer to join a well-established and growing UK financial services business as the lead lawyer supporting an established division. This is a broad, high-profile role offering significant autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership, including Board-level stakeholders. The successful candidate will act as the principal legal adviser to a regulated business operating within payments, finance and merchant services.

The Role

  • Reporting to both the Group General Counsel and the MD, you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal support across a diverse range of activities, including:
    • Drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide variety of commercial agreements.
    • Advising on regulated and unregulated consumer finance arrangements.
    • Supporting product development, strategic initiatives and business growth projects.
    • Advising on FCA regulatory matters, customer communications and financial promotions.
    • Providing guidance on data protection, privacy and governance issues.
    • Supporting senior management and Board committees on legal and regulatory matters.
    • Managing external legal advisers where required.

About You

  • Ideally 5+ years' PQE gained in-house and/or in private practice.
  • Strong commercial contracts experience and excellent drafting skills.
  • Experience advising FCA-regulated businesses.
  • A solid understanding of consumer finance and regulatory frameworks.
  • Consumer Credit Act experience would be highly advantageous.
  • Knowledge of GDPR and data protection matters.
  • A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and strong commercial awareness.
  • The confidence to engage with and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Experience within financial services, payments, lending, consumer credit, fintech, merchant acquiring or other regulated environments will be particularly relevant.

Why Apply?

  • Lead legal adviser role with significant autonomy and visibility.
  • Opportunity to influence strategic business decisions.
  • Broad commercial remit covering legal, regulatory and governance matters.
  • Growing business with ambitious expansion plans.
  • Collaborative and supportive leadership team.

Location

The successful candidate must be able to attend the Liverpool area office four days per week initially, with some flexibility available over time. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

Head of Legal / Sole Counsel employer: BCL Legal In-House

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking financial services business that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As the Head of Legal, you will enjoy significant autonomy in your role, with direct access to senior leadership and opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding organisation. Located in the vibrant Liverpool area, this position offers a supportive environment where your contributions will directly influence strategic decisions and drive business success.

BCL Legal In-House

Contact Details:

BCL Legal In-House Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal / Sole Counsel

Commercial Law
Contract Drafting
Negotiation Skills
Regulatory Compliance
FCA Regulations
Consumer Finance Knowledge
Data Protection (GDPR)