At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal matters, negotiate contracts, and support HR in a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Company: Join Suade, a rapidly growing SaaS fintech scaleup with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, a generous pension scheme, and a £500 work from home budget.
- Why this job: Make a real impact as the sole legal professional in a dynamic, high-growth company.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years' PQE, in-house experience preferred, and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career progression opportunities and a vibrant company culture.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Suade is seeking an ambitious and capable Head of Legal to lead our Legal function and facilitate the company's growth. As the sole legal professional, you will be responsible for all legal matters, which will predominantly be commercial negotiations, along with employment matters and corporate affairs. Suade is a fast‑growing SaaS fintech scaleup with cutting‑edge technology that enables financial institutions to automate regulatory reporting. We currently employ 100+ people across the UK, EU and Singapore, and have doubled headcount in the last two years. Our client base is growing fast and we have clients in the UK, EU, US and APAC. This is a high impact role, which will report to Suade's COO and involve regular dialogue with the C‑suite. The role will offer excellent opportunities for progression and development.
The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years' PQ experience, with some in‑house experience, and will be comfortable working as a sole legal professional in a fast‑paced scaleup environment. The role is hybrid: attendance at our London office is expected 2‑3 days per week. Salary: £80,000 to £120,000 based on seniority and experience.
Main responsibilities- Negotiating client contracts with financial institutions (typically SaaS licences)
- Negotiating, reviewing and drafting partnership, supplier and consultant contracts
- Effectively communicating contractual matters, key legal risks, and other legal requirements to the C‑suite and wider business
- Monitoring legal risks for the company, and implementing training, policies and other mitigatory actions
- Supporting the HR function with assistance on policies and employment matters
- Managing corporate law matters for the Suade group (including US and Singapore subsidiaries)
- Managing the company's legal databases and report on Legal KPIs
- Co-ordinating with external counsel where necessary
- Qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales with 5-10 years' PQ experience
- Experience of software licensing agreements, ideally in the finance industry
- Experience of negotiating commercial matters with financial institutions
- In‑house experience is desirable
- A high level of attention to detail
- An effective team player who can collaborate with non‑legal colleagues e.g. in sales
- Ability to work independently as a sole legal professional
- Willingness to embrace innovation, acquire new skills, and take on additional responsibilities as needed
- Flexibility and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritising responsibilities and managing deadlines
- Enthusiasm and a desire to participate in Suade's culture
- 25 days holiday + UK public holidays
- Flexible holiday: choose when you take your holidays by opting out of bank holidays if you would like
- Additional annual leave holiday: an extra day of annual leave for every 3 years you work at Suade in addition to your existing 25 days on a pro rata basis
- Company pension (NEST)
- Enhanced maternity leave and paternity leave
- Flexible working hours and Digital Nomad (Work From Anywhere) policy, subject to managerial approval
- £500 work from home budget/homeset up
- £500 annual Training/ Development Subsidy
- Perkbox benefits scheme
Head of Legal (in-house counsel), Fintech employer: Suade
Contact Detail:
Suade Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal (in-house counsel), Fintech
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fintech and legal sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with commercial negotiations and software licensing agreements. Tailor your pitch to show how your skills align perfectly with what Suade needs.
✨Be Ready for the Fast Pace
Since Suade is a fast-growing scaleup, be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple projects and tight deadlines. Share examples from your past where you've thrived in a similar environment to show you're the right fit.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Suade team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal (in-house counsel), Fintech
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Legal role. Highlight your PQ experience, especially in commercial negotiations and in-house work. We want to see how your background aligns with our fast-paced fintech environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Suade. Mention your experience with SaaS licensing agreements and how you can contribute to our growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As you'll be communicating with the C-suite, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal matters clearly. In your application, use straightforward language and examples that show how you've effectively communicated legal risks in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suade
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial negotiations, software licensing agreements, and corporate law. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences where you've successfully navigated these areas, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand Suade's Business Model
Familiarise yourself with Suade's SaaS fintech offerings and how they impact financial institutions. This will help you articulate how your legal expertise can support their growth and mitigate risks, making you a more attractive candidate for the Head of Legal position.
✨Prepare for C-Suite Conversations
Since you'll be communicating with the C-suite regularly, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can convey key legal risks and requirements effectively, ensuring that non-legal colleagues understand the implications of your advice.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a sole legal professional, collaboration is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with non-legal teams, like HR or sales, to achieve common goals. Highlighting your ability to work independently while also being a team player will resonate well with Suade's culture.