Counsel - EMEA Commercial Contract and Product in City of Westminster

We're seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Manager to join our growing Global Payment Network Legal team to lead our legal strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). You won't just be giving advice, you will be a critical strategic partner embedded directly within the business. The successful candidate will be a valued member of a truly global team, providing legal and commercial guidance to the Global Payments Network, to support the business in navigating our growth agenda. They will leverage their outstanding legal and communication skills, and bring an ability to anticipate and deliver on the needs of an innovative, sophisticated, and fast‑paced business while simultaneously managing a wide range of transactions and projects.

As a key strategic partner embedded within the business, you will negotiate commercial agreements, help identify risks, and solve problems alongside a team of world‑class professionals. The Legal Department is not a “check the box” function but an important voice and strategic partner in all aspects of the business.

• Serve as lead counsel to help drive international expansion for our Global Payments Network by providing strategic and actionable legal and commercial advice and expertise.
• Own our EMEA legal and commercial contracting strategy, and delivery roadmap for the Global Payments Network.
• Provide cross‑functional assistance by partnering closely with Risk and Compliance officers to ensure comprehensive support.
• Provide thought and strategic leadership on relevant legal and commercial considerations for EMEA.
• Engage and oversee outside legal counsel as needed in an effective and efficient manner.
• Stay abreast of external legal and regulatory developments and expectations that could impact the environment in which Capital One operates, understanding its impact on Capital One's inherent compliance risk.
• Stand up and refine processes that make legal workflows dramatically more efficient and user‑friendly for our business partners.

• Qualified solicitor with solid post‑qualification experience.
• Prior experience negotiating, drafting, and guiding implementation of commercial agreements strongly preferred.
• Experience working within a financial services environment.
• Strong business judgment and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to clearly communicate legal and commercial terms, business strategy, and compliance risk to stakeholders at all levels across the business and to external stakeholders.
• A willingness and ability to influence and effectively challenge stakeholders with credibility at all levels of business, as well as external stakeholders.
• Comfortable balancing trade‑offs between risk and returns to achieve business objectives and manage compliance legal risks associated with Capital One.
• Ability to understand complex topics quickly with depth that allows for delivery and actionable insights.
• Ability to build and leverage relevant networks inside and outside the organisation.

• We invest in the growth of our people alongside our business. You will have extensive opportunities to learn and develop your career, including access to up to £5,000 in funding for external qualifications.
• Competitive pension and performance‑based bonus schemes.
• Start with 25 days of annual leave, increasing with tenure. You have the option to buy 5 additional days.
• Access premium care through private medical insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• We embrace a hybrid approach to work: three days a week in the office (Tuesday‑Thursday), with Monday and Friday working from home.
• Our offices are designed to inspire and support you.
• We are committed to diversity in the workplace.