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- Tasks: Lead legal and governance activities, ensuring integrity and compliance across the organisation.
- Company: Join Macmillan, a leading charity dedicated to supporting people living with cancer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a meaningful role while shaping legal strategies.
- Qualifications: Experienced lawyer with expertise in commercial law, governance, and risk management.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on ethical leadership and team development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
As Macmillan's General Counsel, you will lead all legal, governance and regulatory activity across the organisation. You'll act as our principal legal adviser, ensuring we operate with integrity and confidence while delivering maximum impact for people living with cancer.
Strategic Legal Leadership
- Advise the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board on legal, governance and risk matters
- Provide expert legal guidance across contracts, employment, IP, data protection and regulatory compliance
- Lead legal input into transformation, mergers, partnerships and major organisational initiatives
- Oversee safeguarding, serious incident reporting and regulatory investigations
- Apply commercial judgement to balance opportunity and risk
Risk, Compliance Regulatory Oversight
- Design and embed Macmillan's risk and information governance frameworks
- Maintain organisational risk appetite, reporting and assurance
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act, PECR and ISO
- Oversee risk registers, business continuity and crisis management
- Lead whistleblowing, complaints, investigations, insurance and indemnities
Contract Commercial Management
- Shape commercial models and partnership structures
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts, grants and partnership agreements
- Strengthen contract management systems and templates
Ethics, ESG Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead Macmillan's ethics and integrity framework
- Provide oversight of data ethics and responsible technology use
- Support ESG priorities and represent Macmillan with regulators and sector bodies
Team Leadership Organisational Impact
- Lead and develop the Legal and Governance team
- Build organisational legal literacy through training and guidance
- Manage departmental planning and budgets
- Ensure early legal involvement in organisational projects
About you
- Is an experienced senior lawyer with broad commercial, regulatory and governance expertise
- Has a strong track record advising Boards and Executive Teams
- Brings sound commercial judgement and a balanced approach to risk
- Understands data protection, compliance and sector-specific regulation
- Has significant experience negotiating complex contracts and partnerships
- Demonstrates strong ethical judgement and commitment to integrity
- Is an inclusive, inspiring leader who develops high-performing teams
- Communicates with clarity and influence at all levels
- Thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving environment
General Counsel in England employer: Macmillan Cancer Support
Contact Detail:
Macmillan Cancer Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the hunt for a General Counsel role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of governance and regulatory matters. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex contracts and compliance issues in the past. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values, like Macmillan. Tailor your approach to highlight how your experience can help them deliver maximum impact for people living with cancer.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal, governance, and regulatory matters. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the General Counsel role at Macmillan.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader in our Legal and Governance team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Commercial Judgement: We’re looking for someone who can balance opportunity and risk effectively. Be sure to include instances where you’ve applied commercial judgement in complex situations, especially in contract negotiations or regulatory compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Macmillan.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Cancer Support
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial law, data protection, and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential leader of the Legal and Governance team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams or led initiatives that improved organisational legal literacy.
✨Understand Macmillan's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Macmillan's goals and values, especially their commitment to supporting people living with cancer. Be prepared to discuss how your legal strategies can align with and enhance their mission, showing that you’re not just a lawyer but a partner in their cause.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Given the emphasis on ethics and integrity, think about potential ethical dilemmas you might face in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations, demonstrating your strong ethical judgement and commitment to integrity.
