Solicitor, Commercial, Technology and Data, VP - Legal / Tax / Insurance - London, United Kingdom

Responsibilities

We are seeking a mid‑level English law‑qualified solicitor to join the Commercial, Technology & Data Legal Team. The role will support the business across a broad range of commercial contracting, technology and data protection matters, with increasing exposure to AI governance and data‑driven initiatives, and will work closely with the UK Data Protection Officer (DPO) supporting UK Data Protection Office work.

1. Commercial Contracting:
   • Provide legal advice, guidance and support to, and identify and analyse legal and commercial issues for, the support units within the SG London perimeter and other business units.
   • Support UK Sourcing in the review, drafting and negotiation of outsourcing and commercial contracts, and develop relevant template contracts, legal updates, training and self‑help guides where appropriate.
   • Draft, review and negotiate general commercial supplier and customer agreements, professional services and consultancy agreements, framework agreements, statements of work and amendments.
   • Manage contracts across the low to high value spectrum, applying a risk‑based and proportionate approach.
   • Provide clear, commercially pragmatic advice to business stakeholders.
2. Technology & IT Contracts:
   • Advise on and negotiate technology‑related agreements, including software and SaaS agreements, IT services and technology‑enabled commercial arrangements.
   • Identify and manage legal risk relating to technology, outsourcing and digital service delivery.
3. Data Protection & Privacy:
   • Support the UK DPO in delivering the organisation’s data protection and privacy compliance framework.
   • Draft and negotiate data processing and data sharing agreements, and data protection provisions of commercial contracts.
   • Advise on controller/processor roles and allocation of responsibilities.
   • Respond to DSARs, assist with regulatory enquiries and internal data protection initiatives.
   • Assist with the investigation, assessment and maintenance of a log of personal data breaches.
   • Assist in maintaining data processing records for SG UK entities (DPRs).
   • Assist BU and SU stakeholders to complete Data Protection Impact Assessments.
   • Support international data transfer arrangements (IDTAs, TRAs), group reporting and data protection risk assessments.
   • Help monitor compliance with internal data protection policies and procedures, develop and deliver training, draft template legal documentation, and track regulatory developments.
4. AI Governance & Emerging Technologies:
   • Support legal oversight of AI and data‑driven technologies.
   • Address contractual considerations relating to the use of AI tools and systems.
   • Allocate risk for AI outputs and data usage.
   • Support implementation of internal AI governance and acceptable use frameworks.
   • Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and support internal guidance.

Skills & Experience

• Essential
  • English law‑qualified solicitor.
  • Mid‑level PQE, gained in private practice, in‑house, or a combination.
  • Strong experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
  • Practical working knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection law in a commercial context.
  • Ability to provide clear, pragmatic, business‑focused advice.
• Desirable
  • Experience advising on technology or IT‑related contracts.
  • Exposure to AI‑related legal or governance issues, or a strong interest in this area.
  • In‑house experience within a regulated or complex organisation.

Personal Attributes

• Commercial, pragmatic and solutions‑focused, with a proactive approach to risk and problem‑solving.
• Confident managing matters independently with appropriate supervision and escalation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, establishing credibility quickly with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player, willing to support team development and knowledge‑sharing.
• Maintains high professional standards with strong attention to detail, organisation and time management.
• Keeps abreast of legal and regulatory developments in contract, data protection and AI, and assesses their impact on the business.

At Société Générale, we believe our people are our strength and are core to the success of our business. As such, we search for, recruit and appoint the best available person on the basis of aptitude and ability, regardless of sex, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, pregnancy, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or gender identity.