At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal negotiations and build the legal framework for a fast-growing AI SaaS company.
- Company: Join a profitable tech firm revolutionising research with AI technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Work closely with founders and travel to the US twice a year.
- Why this job: Be the first legal hire and shape the future of a dynamic business.
- Qualifications: 7-12 years of legal experience in AI, SaaS, or technology sectors.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
We are looking for a US-qualified senior technology lawyer to join a fast-growing, profitable AI SaaS business as its first permanent senior legal hire. The company builds LLM-powered research technology used by leading private equity firms, management consultancies and financial institutions globally.
With just under 100 employees and £30m ARR, the business is profitable and expanding internationally, with London and New York as its immediate growth markets. Working directly with the CEO and founders, you will serve as the sole legal counsel, overseeing regulatory and compliance functions, leading major commercial negotiations while building the legal infrastructure required to support continued international growth. This is initially a hands-on role, with the opportunity to scale a legal team.
- Annual bonus: approximately 20–25%
- Opportunity to build and lead the legal function as the business scales
- Longer-term progression towards a senior legal leadership / CLO position
- US travel is expected approximately twice per year
Leading negotiations on complex enterprise SaaS agreements with major private equity firms, investment banks, consultancies and other institutional customers. Negotiating MSAs, data processing and licensing agreements, security schedules and other complex technology contracts, predominantly governed by US law. Building the legal processes, contracting playbooks, and frameworks required to support a rapidly scaling commercial organization. Owning the company's AI governance and compliance framework, including model training, data-use policies and evolving AI regulation. Advising on recording consent and two-party consent requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Owning data privacy matters across UK GDPR, GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, DPAs, subprocessors and privacy-by-design. Advising Product and Engineering on data ownership, data usage, intellectual property and the development of new AI products.
Requirements:
- 7 - 12 years' legal experience.
- Strong private practice training combined with meaningful in-house experience.
- Significant experience within an AI, SaaS, technology or data-intensive business.
- Experience negotiating with sophisticated enterprise customers and their legal, procurement and security teams.
- Deep understanding of data privacy, including GDPR, UK GDPR and US privacy requirements.
- Strong knowledge of AI, data ownership, model training, IP and the developing regulatory environment.
- Comfortable operating across US, UK and European legal issues.
- Comfortable working directly with founders and senior commercial stakeholders.
Head of Commercial Contracts and Legal in London employer: Heriot Brown In-House Legal Recruitment
Heriot Brown In-House Legal Recruitment offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Head of Legal & Commercial Strategy role, where you will lead a talented legal team in a thriving UK consumer business. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from tailored growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant area, the company also provides competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Heriot Brown In-House Legal Recruitment Recruitment Team
