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- Tasks: Draft and negotiate complex SaaS and software agreements while advising on data protection matters.
- Company: Join Finova, the UK's largest financial services tech provider, driving innovation in lending.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment within a leading tech company.
- Qualifications: UK qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE and strong SaaS contracting experience.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Finova
Finova is the UK’s largest financial services technology provider, supporting one in every five mortgages nationwide. Our agile, cloud-native solutions enable over 60 banks, building societies, specialist lenders, equity release providers and a network of 2,400+ brokers to stay ahead in a competitive market. Built on open architecture and backed by deep industry expertise, our platform is designed to scale. Each year, we process over £50 billion in loans, manage nearly £50 billion in savings, and support the digital servicing of more than 650,000 UK borrower accounts. Be part of a team that’s driving innovation, enabling growth and shaping the future of UK lending.
About Lenders
Finova offers a flexible, modular technology suite designed to help lenders move faster, scale efficiently and deliver standout digital experiences. Financial Institutions use Finova to launch products faster, process applications up to 50% more efficiently and reduce operational costs — all while staying fully compliant in a fast-moving market.
About the Role:
This Senior Legal Counsel role will primarily focus on commercial contracts with a strong SaaS, software, hosting and technology focus. The position will report to Finova’s General Counsel and join a small Legal team with one Senior Paralegal. Key responsibilities will include:
- Drafting and negotiating complex and high value master service agreements and commercial transaction documents, along with ancillary data protection and security appendices.
- Contract negotiations within a Financial Services regulatory context.
About you:
- UK qualified solicitor with at least 5 years PQE
- Significant SaaS, software and cloud contracting experience
- Strong Data Protection background
- Familiarity with UK Financial Services regulation as it applies to technology providers, such as security, resilience and business continuity requirements
- Understanding of AI contracting considerations
- Solid commercial acumen that translates to business focussed advice
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively when negotiating with customers, liaising with colleagues across various departments, and briefing senior leaders
- Ability to manage competing demands under time pressure, ensuring that deals progress at pace.
What will you be doing?
- Drafting and negotiating customer facing SaaS, software and hosting agreements
- Reviewing and updating contract templates and playbook positions
- Advising on data protection matters, as related to Finova’s product offerings
- Acting as a trusted adviser and a primary point of contact for the Sales and Customer Success teams, enabling commercial deals while managing risk
- Reviewing NDAs, Partner Agreements, Vendor Agreements and similar contracts as necessary to support business needs
- Utilising a contract management system, managing legal workflows, using Legal AI tools and assisting with managing shared legal inboxes to ensure efficient distribution of workload across the Legal team
- Supporting strategic initiatives and ad hoc projects within the Legal team, as required.
What We Offer:
- Hybrid working: At Finova, we believe the best outcomes come from working together - and having the flexibility to work in a way that suits both our people and our business.
- Holiday: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, bank holiday trading and holiday purchase options, the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to 4 weeks per year.
- Looking After You: Life Assurance, Group Income Protection, Private Medical Insurance, a pension scheme via Salary Exchange, an Employee Assistance Programme, and access to a Virtual GP.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, as well as paid time off for fertility treatments and pregnancy loss.
- Extra Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme, discounts on shops, restaurants, and gym memberships, free fresh fruit daily, and opportunities to join colleague networks and social groups.
- Giving Back: One paid volunteering day annually and the Give-As-You-Earn scheme to support your favourite charities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re passionate about this role but don’t meet all the criteria, please reach out, we’d love to discuss how your skills and experiences align with our needs.
Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester employer: finova
Contact Detail:
finova Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal and financial services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Legal Counsel role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Finova and its tech solutions. Understand their SaaS offerings and how they impact the financial services landscape. This will help you showcase your knowledge and demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves drafting and negotiating complex contracts, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Legal Counsel position at Finova!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in SaaS, software, and cloud contracting. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior Legal Counsel role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves negotiating with customers and liaising with various departments, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you’ve effectively interacted with stakeholders.
Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge: Given the focus on UK Financial Services regulation, make sure to emphasise your familiarity with relevant laws and compliance requirements. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these complexities with ease.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at finova
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SaaS, software, and cloud contracting. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in data protection and UK Financial Services regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific contract negotiations or data protection issues. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex legal situations. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various departments and negotiating with customers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as approachable and professional.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about Finova's approach to legal challenges in the tech space or how the Legal team collaborates with other departments. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.