At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global legal team, providing strategic support and governance for Collinson's growth.
- Company: Join Collinson, a leader in travel experiences and customer engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and collaboration in a purpose-driven workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with leadership experience and a strong commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Collinson is the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence. The group offers a unique blend of industry and sector specialists who together provide market-leading airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement, and insurance solutions for over 400 million consumers. Collinson is the operator of Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme. Travellers can access a network of 1,500+ lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in over 650 airports in 148 countries, helping to elevate the journey into something special.
We work with the world’s leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines and 20 hotel groups worldwide. We have been bringing innovation to the market since inception – from launching the first independent global VIP lounge access Programme, Priority Pass to being the first to sell direct travel insurance in the UK through Columbus Direct and creating the first loyalty agency of its kind in the travel sector with ICLP. Today we still invest heavily in innovation to ensure that we continue to deliver superior customer experiences.
Key clients include Mastercard, American Express, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, LATAM, Flying Blue, Accor, EasyJet, HSBC, Chase, HDFC. Our mission is focused on doing good beyond profit, which for us means we seek out opportunities for our people to share in our success and that we give back to the communities and people within which we work. Never short of ambition, the success of our business is delivered through the diverse and talented team of over 2,200 global colleagues.
Purpose of the job
The VP Legal leads a global team within Legal, providing high-quality legal and strategic support to Collinson International Limited and the wider Group. This executive role combines deep legal expertise with people leadership and strong business partnering, directly managing a sub-team and supporting the Chief Legal Officer in shaping and delivering the legal strategy. The VP Legal plays a key role in overseeing legal governance and risk management, while actively supporting the business through a period of growth and transformation. This includes ensuring legal frameworks, governance, and commercial contracts continue to evolve in line with Collinson’s expanding global footprint and strategic ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Act as a strategic partner and deputy to the Chief Legal Officer, helping to implement the vision, structure, and goals of the global Legal Team.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a sub-team of legal professionals, overseeing matter allocation, workload management, and performance reviews.
- Role-modelling strategic partnership with all areas of the business, raising standards and the reputation of the Legal Team.
- Support the transformation of the business by ensuring legal frameworks, governance, and risk management align with evolving global operations.
- Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to influence both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic direction.
- Legal Governance & Risk Management
- Maintain and strengthen legal governance standards and oversee risk monitoring across international offices.
- Provide timely advice and updates to the Chief Legal Officer on legal, operational, and corporate matters.
- Deliver training programs and focused sessions addressing legal and industry-specific risks.
- Commercial & Corporate Advisory
- Advise on corporate matters such as joint ventures, group-wide initiatives, and ad hoc corporate transactions.
- Provide legal support on intellectual property, compliance, litigation, data protection, and other risk-related matters.
- Support operational areas, including employment/People & Development matters, policies, and terms and conditions.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive improvements in contract management processes, technology solutions, standard agreements, and legal policies.
- Ensure the Legal Team is an enabler of business growth through pragmatic, solution-focused advice.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Qualified solicitor or barrister (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in commercial law.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including direct management of legal professionals and support of executive-level decision-making.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability, with the ability to lead effectively through periods of change and business transformation.
- Strong commercial and strategic mindset, with the ability to partner effectively with business leaders to enable growth and transformation.
- Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial and corporate agreements.
- Outstanding communication and analytical skills, with strong business judgment and a proactive, solution-driven approach.
- Experience operating in a fast-paced, international environment with multiple stakeholders.
- Flexible, adaptable, and entrepreneurial approach to legal and commercial challenges.
- Commitment to collaboration, integrity, and high professional standards.
Collinson is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes differences in all their forms including: colour, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, family status, age, individuals with disabilities and people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences as we strongly believe this contributes to our on-going success. We are focused on continually evolving our purpose driven, high performing culture, providing an environment where our people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and do interesting and meaningful work. Our company values are: Take Action, Do the right thing, One team and Be insight led. These help guide everything we do internally in terms of how we think, act and interact, right through to how we deliver value to our customers and clients.
In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). If you need any extra support throughout the interview process, then please email us at ukrecruitment@collinsongroup.com
VP Legal in London employer: Collinson Group
Collinson Group is an excellent employer that fosters a welcoming and inclusive work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer flexible part-time roles that allow you to balance your personal commitments while contributing to a dynamic team. Join us to be part of a diverse environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP Legal in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Collinson Group, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace VP Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Collinson Group, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Collinson Group and the specific role of VP Legal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Collinson Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collinson Group
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Collinson Group.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Collinson Group.
