Head of Legal in City of Westminster

Head of Legal in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Monese GB

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal strategy and provide guidance on corporate governance, contracts, and compliance.
  • Company: Join Pockit and Monese, the leading fintech for financial inclusion.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, hybrid working, and generous leave policies.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company at the forefront of fintech innovation.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 6-8 years PQE and experience in financial services.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for learning and development.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

About Pockit + Monese

Pockit and Monese are the all‑in‑one money apps that make it easy for people to access and manage the financial tools that put them in control of their money. We provide vital financial services, from e‑money accounts through to income advance products to over three million customers across the UK and Europe. In October 2024, Pockit acquired Monese, creating the leading fintech for anyone who is budgeting, saving, or just trying to stay on top of their finances. Both firms are regulated by the FCA. Following the acquisition of Monese, the business is on a trajectory of growth as the two organisations harmonise and integrate in both the UK and across Europe.

The Role

We are looking for a commercially minded and pragmatic Head of Legal to join the growing legal team supporting both Pockit and Monese. This is a broad and dynamic role that spans corporate governance, commercial contracting, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. You will act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the business, providing clear and practical legal guidance on a wide range of matters. From negotiating technology and partnership agreements to supporting corporate structuring and engaging with regulators, you will play a key role in enabling strategic initiatives while managing legal risk. The ideal candidate will bring strong drafting and negotiation skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Corporate & Governance: Advice on group structure, intra‑group arrangements, and corporate governance matters. Draft and review shareholder resolutions, governance documentation, and corporate filings. Support company secretarial processes and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Commercial Contract Management & Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements including SaaS, technology, procurement, and partnership contracts. Advise stakeholders on contract terms, risk allocation, and negotiation strategy. Support procurement and vendor management by identifying cost‑saving or risk‑mitigation opportunities in third‑party contracts. Maintain and update internal legal templates and playbooks.
  • Dispute Management: Assist in the management of legal disputes, including pre‑action correspondence, claims, and settlement negotiations. Liaise with external counsel on contentious matters and litigation strategy. Conduct legal research and prepare internal reports on potential liability or dispute resolution options.
  • Regulatory & Compliance: Act as a Data Protection Officer (DPO), advising on compliance with applicable data protection laws, as well as relevant financial services regulations and outsourcing requirements. Support the review of third‑party contracts for regulatory risk and alignment with internal policies. Assist with interactions with regulatory bodies and financial institutions, including legal aspects of KYC and ownership verification.
  • General Legal Advisory & Business Partnering: Act as a trusted legal partner to business teams across a wide range of legal and strategic matters. Support cross‑functional projects with legal insight and risk assessment. Work closely with Finance, Compliance, Risk, and Operations to ensure legally sound business execution. Advise on the development and launch of new products and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks. Partner with technology, product, and operations teams to provide legal guidance on innovation, intellectual property (IP), and technology implementation agreements. Enhance the company’s risk management framework by providing transactional support and guidance on legal and product‑related issues. Enhance the legal process and standard form agreements across all areas of the company for operational efficiency and risk control. Lead on IP‑related matters, including protection and enforcement of rights within the digital payment processing and broader fintech space.
  • Other: Support M&A activities, including due diligence, negotiations, and post‑transaction integration. Advise on corporate transactions, equity fundraising, and other strategic initiatives to support the company’s growth. Conduct legal research on emerging regulatory and industry developments to future‑prove the business. Ensuring up to date legal research and due diligence in regulatory issues impacting the business. Assisting with the instruction and management of external legal counsel. Provide support on non‑contentious matters, such as corporate structuring and compliance with employment laws.

About You

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 6‑8 years PQE, including training in a top‑tier private practice and preferably experience in an in‑house role. Proven experience within the financial services industry, with a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, including the FCA and equivalent international bodies. Exposure to the fintech sector, preferably within a startup or scale‑up environment. Expertise in technology contracts, IP law, and legal matters specific to payment processing and digital finance. Demonstrated ability to manage complex negotiations and disputes, using sound judgement to balance commercial priorities with legal risk. Conversant with European Law is a nice to have but not must have.

What We’re Looking For

  • Core Skills: Strong drafting and negotiation skills, excellent judgement and commercial awareness, ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload independently.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with UK corporate law, GDPR, and outsourcing or financial regulatory frameworks is beneficial.
  • Communication: Able to communicate complex legal issues clearly to both legal and non‑legal audiences.
  • Tools & Processes: Comfortable working with contract lifecycle management tools, trackers, and legal documentation systems.

Why Join Us

Join a mission‑driven company working at the intersection of technology and financial inclusion. Work with a diverse, entrepreneurial, and ambitious team. Make a real impact in a scale‑up with global reach and strong growth potential. A stack of modern technologies. Generous stock options and competitive salary. Learning and development support scheme. Hybrid working (3 days per week in the office). Working abroad. Enhanced sick days, volunteering day, days off for a wedding, day off on your birthday and more. Bupa PMI.

Work Location

The primary place of work is Pockit’s headquarters in London, UK, where the role will be expected to be in the office 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). The role may involve some hybrid working, but the candidate is expected to be present for key leadership and collaboration functions as needed.

Head of Legal in City of Westminster employer: Monese GB

Pockit and Monese offer an exceptional work environment for the Head of Legal role, combining a mission-driven approach with a dynamic and collaborative culture. Employees benefit from generous stock options, competitive salaries, and a strong focus on personal development, all while working in a vibrant London office that fosters innovation and inclusivity. With opportunities for hybrid working and a commitment to employee well-being, this is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the fintech sector.
Monese GB

Contact Detail:

Monese GB Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in City of Westminster

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Pockit and Monese thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Legal, you’ll need to demonstrate strong drafting and negotiation abilities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions.

✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in City of Westminster

Corporate Governance
Commercial Contract Management
Negotiation Skills
Dispute Resolution
Regulatory Compliance
Data Protection Law
Financial Services Regulations
Legal Research
Intellectual Property Law
Risk Management
Drafting Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to Work Independently

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in corporate governance, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance, as these are key areas for us at Pockit and Monese.

Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong drafting and negotiation skills shine through. Include specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal issues or managed disputes in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and how they align with our needs, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Monese GB

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance. Familiarise yourself with the FCA regulations and any recent changes in the fintech landscape. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled, especially in the financial services sector. Be ready to discuss your approach to balancing legal risks with commercial priorities. This will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to navigate complex situations effectively.

✨Be a Team Player

Highlight your collaborative mindset during the interview. Discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. This will reassure them that you can partner effectively with various departments like Finance, Compliance, and Operations.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about Pockit and Monese's future plans, especially regarding their integration and growth strategy. This shows that you're not just focused on the role but are also interested in the company's direction and how you can contribute to its success.

Head of Legal in City of Westminster
Monese GB
Location: City of Westminster

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