At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function and advise senior leadership on strategic decisions.
- Company: Established UK financial services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Influential role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with direct access to senior decision-makers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a financial services leader and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in regulated financial services.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
City Executive Search is partnering with an established UK financial services organisation to appoint a General Counsel at an important point in its development. This is a broad, influential leadership mandate for an accomplished financial services lawyer who wants to operate close to the Board and Executive team, shape major strategic decisions and lead the legal function through a period of meaningful change.
The General Counsel will act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, providing clear commercial judgement across complex legal, regulatory and governance matters while ensuring the organisation remains well positioned to respond to an evolving UK financial services landscape.
The opportunity
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the organisation's legal function, leading an experienced team of qualified lawyers and working closely with colleagues responsible for corporate governance. The remit will include:
- Acting as a senior legal adviser to the Board, Executive Committee and senior leadership
- Providing pragmatic counsel on strategic, commercial and regulatory matters
- Leading the legal response to significant business transformation and change
- Advising on complex commercial agreements, partnerships, outsourcing and technology arrangements
- Supporting major corporate or strategic transactions where required
- Maintaining effective relationships with regulators, external counsel and key stakeholders
- Developing legal capability and ensuring the function remains commercially focused and responsive
- Anticipating emerging legal and regulatory risks and translating these into clear executive advice
About you
You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with substantial post-qualification experience and a strong track record gained within regulated financial services. We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates currently operating as a: General Counsel | Deputy General Counsel | Head of Legal | Legal Director.
You are likely to bring:
- Significant senior in-house experience within banking, lending, savings, insurance or another closely regulated financial services environment
- Strong knowledge of the UK regulatory framework, including the FCA, PRA, SM&CR and Consumer Duty
- Experience advising Boards and Executive teams on complex or sensitive matters
- Evidence of successfully navigating significant organisational change
- Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge constructively
- An ability to make complex legal and regulatory issues clear to non-legal audiences
- Experience leading, developing and retaining high-quality legal teams
- Exposure to retail banking, mortgages, savings, mutual financial services, M&A or significant technology and outsourcing programmes would be particularly valuable.
Why consider it?
The incoming General Counsel will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of an established financial services organisation, work directly with senior decision-makers and build a legal function capable of supporting an ambitious programme of change. For an existing General Counsel, it offers a substantial strategic mandate. For an experienced Head of Legal or Deputy General Counsel, it represents a credible opportunity to step into a full GC leadership role.
General Counsel in Cardiff employer: City Executive Search
Join a leading UK financial services organisation that values innovation and strategic leadership. As General Counsel, you will be at the forefront of shaping the legal function during a transformative period, working closely with the Board and Executive team to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, prioritising employee growth and development, while offering a unique opportunity to influence key business decisions in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel in Cardiff
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like City Executive Search. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to City Executive Search.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on City Executive Search's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Executive Search
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with City Executive Search.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at City Executive Search will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former City Executive Search employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
