Counsel (12-month fixed-term contract)

Counsel (12-month fixed-term contract)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Salesforce

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Negotiate complex commercial agreements and provide strategic legal guidance in the public sector.
  • Company: Salesforce, the leading AI CRM company driving workforce transformation.
  • Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, and resources for personal and professional growth.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and providing opportunities for all.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of AI and making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years of commercial legal experience and strong public sector knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Salesforce is looking for high-performing, result-oriented Counsel to provide maternity cover within our UK & Ireland Commercial Legal team, working closely with a Senior Counsel, covering the Public Sector. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract supporting Salesforce's UKI’s public sector business.

The Commercial Legal team delivers innovative, trusted and world-class legal services. Our aim is to drive sales performance and foster customers’ relationships. Although our main activity is contractual negotiation with customers, we are also frequently involved on subjects related to high tech, data protection and artificial intelligence. If you have a strong legal knowledge & mindset and you enjoy negotiations, high tech and thinking out of the box, you are welcome to join us!

Key Responsibilities
  • Commercial Transaction Management: Structure, draft, and negotiate complex commercial agreements for direct and indirect Public Sector sales routes, with a strong focus on large UK public sector procurements and framework agreements (including BOS2 and other government frameworks).
  • Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations of Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Order Forms, Professional Services agreements, and related commercial documentation either on Salesforce paper or government paper (within Salesforce’s approved parameters).
  • Public Sector Expertise: Navigate and respond to complex public procurement requirements, e.g. working on requests for proposals/informations, ethical walls agreements, drafting clarification questions, and ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations.
  • Stakeholder Management: Partner with sales teams and business stakeholders across the UK region to enable deals and provide strategic legal guidance.
  • Risk Management: Assess commercial and legal risks, provide practical advice, and escalate matters appropriately to leadership when needed.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other legal team members across EMEA and global teams, as well as with procurement, finance, and operations teams.
  • Case Management: Utilize Salesforce's internal systems (Org62) to track legal cases, manage workflows, and maintain matter visibility.
Essential Skills & Experience
  • Qualified Solicitor with current practicing certificate (England & Wales) or equivalent UK legal qualification.
  • 5+ years of commercial legal experience, ideally gained in-house at a technology company or in private practice advising tech clients.
  • Strong public sector experience, with a strong preference for knowledge of UK procurement legislation, government in-house experience and/or experience with UK government frameworks (e.g. G-Cloud, BOS2) and complex public sector contracts.
  • Substantive expertise in data privacy and intellectual property law.
  • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with the ability to balance commercial objectives with legal risk management.
  • Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, able to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice.
  • Project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
  • Experience with SaaS agreements and technology transactions.
  • Self-starter mentality with ability to work independently and escalate appropriately.
Personal Attributes
  • Collaborative team player with a kind and approachable demeanor.
  • Strong communicator able to translate complex legal concepts for business audiences.
  • Detail-oriented while maintaining sight of business objectives.
  • Adaptable and resilient, comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities.
  • Customer-centric mindset, focused on enabling deals while managing risk appropriately.
  • Good sense of humor and positive attitude.

When you join Salesforce, you’ll be limitless in all areas of your life. Our benefits and resources support you to find balance and be your best, and our AI agents accelerate your impact so you can do your best. Together, we’ll bring the power of Agentforce to organizations of all sizes and deliver amazing experiences that customers love. Apply today to not only shape the future — but to redefine what’s possible — for yourself, for AI, and the world.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via this Accommodations Request Form.

Salesforce is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. What does that mean exactly? It means that at Salesforce, we believe in equality for all. And we believe we can lead the path to equality in part by creating a workplace that’s inclusive, and free from discrimination.

Counsel (12-month fixed-term contract) employer: Salesforce

Salesforce is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity, offering a dynamic work culture where employees are empowered to drive meaningful change in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive resources and support, ensuring they can thrive in their roles while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in AI and customer success. Located in the UK, Salesforce fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for legal professionals eager to make an impact in a forward-thinking environment.

Salesforce

Contact Details:

Salesforce Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Counsel (12-month fixed-term contract)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with public sector contracts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Salesforce's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our mission to drive innovation and customer success.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to sharpen your approach and responses.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Salesforce team.

We think you need these skills to ace Counsel (12-month fixed-term contract)

Qualified Solicitor with current practicing certificate (England & Wales) or equivalent UK legal qualification
Commercial legal experience
Public sector expertise
Knowledge of UK procurement legislation
Experience with government frameworks (e.g. G-Cloud, BOS2)
Data privacy and intellectual property law expertise
Drafting and negotiation skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial law, especially in the public sector, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!

Showcase Your Legal Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your legal knowledge! Include specific examples of complex agreements you've managed or negotiated, particularly in tech or public procurement. This will help us see your fit for the role and how you can contribute to our innovative legal team.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Salesforce

Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK procurement legislation and public sector contracts. Being able to discuss specific frameworks like G-Cloud or BOS2 will show that you’re not just familiar with the law, but that you understand how it applies in a practical context.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in commercial settings. Be ready to explain your approach to balancing legal risks with business objectives, as this is crucial for the role. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.

Understand Salesforce's Culture

Familiarise yourself with Salesforce’s core values and how they integrate AI into their operations. This will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate that you’re a good cultural fit. A little research goes a long way!

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect to face hypothetical scenarios related to public sector procurement and contract management. Think through how you would handle complex situations, and be prepared to discuss your problem-solving strategies. This will highlight your critical thinking and adaptability.