At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function, negotiate high-value contracts, and manage a small legal team.
- Company: Fast-growing UK tech business in a regulated environment.
- Benefits: Competitive package with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with senior stakeholders and innovative technology.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact in a key leadership role.
- Qualifications: UK qualified solicitor with 9+ years’ PQE and strong commercial experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly commercial interim legal leader to join a fast-growing UK technology business operating within a regulated environment. This is a key leadership role suited to someone who enjoys combining strategic input with hands-on delivery across complex commercial and technology matters. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead the legal function through a critical period, supporting the business on high-value contracts, legal operations, and regulatory risk.
As Interim General Counsel, you will take ownership of a broad and business-critical legal remit, with a particular focus on complex commercial contracts across SaaS, software, hosting, and wider technology arrangements. You will partner with senior leadership, support a regulated customer base, and manage a small legal team – balancing strategic oversight with practical, solutions-focused legal support.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership - lead and manage the legal function, providing clear, actionable advice to the executive team
- Contract Negotiation - draft, review, and negotiate complex, high-value commercial agreements, including SaaS, software licensing, hosting, and supplier/partner contracts
- Team Management - supervise and develop the legal team, ensuring effective allocation of work across the Senior Legal Counsel and Senior Paralegal
- Product & Templates - develop product-specific terms and continuously update contract templates and playbooks in line with evolving business offerings
- Legal Operations - oversee legal processes, workflows, and systems, driving effective use of CLM and AI tools
- Regulatory & Data Protection - provide advice on data protection and security matters, including product-related considerations, while monitoring evolving FinTech regulation
- Project Delivery - support strategic initiatives and key legal projects across the business
The successful candidate is likely to be a UK qualified solicitor with strong in-house or commercial experience gained within technology, SaaS, software, or another fast-paced regulated sector. You will be comfortable operating autonomously, managing competing priorities, and partnering with senior stakeholders in a high-performing environment.
Skills & Experience- Qualification & Experience - UK qualified solicitor with 9+ years’ PQE, ideally with contractor experience
- Leadership - proven experience managing and mentoring both junior and senior legal professionals
- Technology Expertise - strong background in SaaS, software, and cloud contracting, with familiarity in AI-related considerations
- Financial Services Knowledge - understanding of UK financial services regulation relevant to technology providers – including security, resilience, and business continuity
- Data Protection - strong grounding in data protection, with the ability to make sound, risk-based decisions
- Operational Capability - experience managing legal operations, workflows, and legal technology
- Commercial Acumen - ability to translate complex legal issues into practical, business-focused advice
- Communication - excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the confidence to engage at executive level
Interim General Counsel in Reading employer: Taylor Root
Join a dynamic and innovative technology company in London as an Interim General Counsel, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of a fast-growing business. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to lead a talented legal team, this position offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the benefits of a competitive package and flexible working arrangements. Embrace the challenge of navigating complex commercial contracts in a regulated environment, all while being part of a forward-thinking organisation that values strategic input and hands-on delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim General Counsel in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your field. These conversations can give you valuable insights into the company culture and what they’re really looking for in candidates. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to demonstrate your expertise. Bring examples of your past work, especially those complex commercial contracts you’ve handled. This is your chance to shine and show how you can add value to their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also helps you stand out as a serious candidate. We’re always on the lookout for talent like yours!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim General Counsel in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in technology and SaaS, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Interim General Counsel role. Share specific examples of your experience with complex contracts and managing legal teams. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your ability to translate legal jargon into practical business advice. We’re looking for someone who can partner with senior stakeholders, so make sure to highlight your communication skills and strategic thinking.
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 in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex commercial contracts, especially in SaaS and technology. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully negotiated high-value agreements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing legal teams. Think of instances where you've mentored junior lawyers or led a project that required strategic oversight. Highlight how you balance leadership with hands-on delivery.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK financial services regulations and data protection laws relevant to technology providers. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact business operations and how you've navigated them in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice articulating your communication style, especially when it comes to engaging with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've provided actionable legal advice to executive teams and how you handle negotiations at that level.
