Senior Legal Counsel - Engine by Starling in London

Senior Legal Counsel - Engine by Starling in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Starling Bank

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our legal team to draft and negotiate commercial contracts for a fast-growing SaaS company.
  • Company: Engine by Starling is revolutionising banking with innovative technology for banks worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and wellness perks.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team transforming banking while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: UK qualified lawyer with 6-8 years PQE in banking SaaS and commercial contracts required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.

Job Description

At Engine by Starling , we are on a mission to find and work with leading banks all around the world who have the ambition to build rapid growth businesses, on our technology.

Engine is Starling's software-as-a-service (SaaS) business, the technology that was built to power Starling Bank, and two years ago we split out as a separate business.

Starling Bank has seen exceptional growth and success, and a large part of that is down to the fact that we have built our own modern technology from the ground up. This SaaS technology platform is now available to banks and financial institutions all around the world, enabling them to benefit from the innovative digital features, and efficient back-office processes that has helped achieve Starling's success.

We draw upon our experience as knowledgeable bankers, and best in class technologists to become the chosen option for these banks, and preferred partners for leading consultancies.

As a company, everyone is expected to roll up their sleeves to help deliver great outcomes for our clients. We are an engineering led company and we’re looking for someone who will be excited by the potential for Engine’s technology to transform banking in different markets around the world.

Hybrid Working

We have a Hybrid approach to working here at Engine - our preference is that you're located within a commutable distance of one of our offices so that we're able to interact and collaborate in person.

About the role

This role is for the Engine Legal Team and will initially report into the General Counsel, Engine. The Engine Legal Team covers all legal aspects needed for a high growth company within a successful bank to succeed. You will have significant exposure to senior stakeholders across Engine. This role will have a strong focus on commercial contracts and related matters.

This role is available to those within a commutable distance of our Manchester, Cardiff or London offices. You must be prepared to travel to our various sites when necessary.

What you'll get to do:

  • Drafting, negotiating and advising on client facing commercial contracts (e.g. framework agreements, SaaS agreements, other software licences).
  • Drafting, negotiating and advising on a full range of third party supplier and intragroup commercial agreements (e.g. marketing, IT, technology, outsourcing) to support the development of Engine.
  • Helping to advise on data protection matters in terms of supplier arrangements and client agreements.
  • Advising on any issues and matters that may arise to successfully run a banking SaaS company.
  • Helping the General Counsel (and Senior Legal Counsel) on international expansion aspects of Engine.
  • Managing multiple projects (often to tight deadlines) and supporting colleagues to ensure business and enterprise-wide initiatives are executed in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Updating and maintaining Engine’s legal precedent documents.
  • Instructing and working with outside counsel where necessary on specialist and international matters.

Requirements

  • You will be a UK qualified lawyer with around 6-8 years PQE (note PQE is a guide only), with banking SaaS and/or financial services regulatory (e.g. material outsourcing rules), and commercial contracts experience.
  • Strong real life experience in drafting, advising and negotiating a range of different commercial contracts in a technology and financial services context (ideally both on a sell and buy side).
  • Good real life experience in advising on data protection issues.
  • You will need to have excellent technical knowledge and at the same time be commercially focused.
  • You will be capable of working in a fast-paced environment, and be keen to grow and develop within the organisation.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Interviews

Interviewing is a two way process and we want you to have the time and opportunity to get to know us, as much as we are getting to know you! Our interviews are conversational and we want to get the best from you, so come with questions and be curious. In general you can expect the below, following a chat with one of our Talent Team:

  • Technical and competency based interview with the Engine Legal Team - 60 mins

This role will close for applications no later than Fri 25th July.

  • 33 days holiday (including public holidays, which you can take when it works best for you)
  • An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
  • Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
  • 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
  • Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
  • Life insurance at 4x your salary & group income protection
  • Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
  • Generous family-friendly policies
  • Incentives refer a friend scheme
  • Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
  • Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work, Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships and Electric Vehicle (EV) leasing

About Us

You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box. Forget that! While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion. So, if you're excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you're 100% there yet, get in touch anyway. We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems.

Engine by Starling is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Engine by Starling are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

When you provide us with this information, you are doing so at your own consent, with full knowledge that we will process this personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice. By submitting your application, you agree that Engine by Starling and Starling Bank will collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we will process, where we will process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.

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Senior Legal Counsel - Engine by Starling in London employer: Starling Bank

Starling Bank is an exceptional employer that champions a culture-first approach, fostering creativity and innovation in a dynamic environment. With a competitive benefits package, including generous leave and private medical insurance, employees are supported in their personal and professional growth. Located in Greater London, the bank promotes diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial sector.

Starling Bank

Contact Details:

Starling Bank Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Engine by Starling in London

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in banking SaaS and financial services regulations. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the banking and legal sectors, especially those who have experience in SaaS. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples of your past experiences in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Be ready to discuss how these experiences relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

✨Tip Number 4

During the interview, ask insightful questions about Engine's technology and its impact on the banking sector. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Engine by Starling in London

UK Qualified Lawyer
6-8 Years PQE
Commercial Contracts Expertise
Banking SaaS Knowledge
Financial Services Regulatory Experience
Data Protection Advisory Skills
Contract Drafting and Negotiation

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in banking SaaS and commercial contracts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in drafting, negotiating, and advising on contracts.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with Engine by Starling's mission and values, and express your enthusiasm for transforming banking technology.

Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in managing stakeholders and influencing decisions. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in previous roles.

Prepare for the Interview:Research common legal issues in banking SaaS and be ready to discuss them. Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in the company and the role, making it a two-way conversation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank

✨Understand the Company and Its Technology

Before your interview, take some time to research Engine by Starling and its SaaS technology. Familiarise yourself with how their platform operates and the impact it has on banking. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the role's focus on commercial contracts and data protection, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Prepare examples of contracts you've drafted or negotiated, and be prepared to explain how you've navigated data protection issues in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

The role requires excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed relationships with senior stakeholders or influenced decisions. Be ready to share these examples to demonstrate your capabilities.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions that show your curiosity about the company and the role. Ask about the challenges the legal team faces, the company's future plans, or how they measure success in this position. This will not only show your interest but also help you assess if the company is the right fit for you.