Full job descriptionRole Title: Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial
Business Function: Legal
Location: West London (Hybrid)
Reports to: Group Head of Legal
Salary: up to £80,000
Working Pattern: 3 days in-office and 2 days remote
About the OpportunityOur client is a leading specialist social care and special educational needs provider operating across the UK, delivering a broad range of services through an extensive national network. The organisation has experienced significant growth over recent decades and continues to pursue strategic opportunities to expand and enhance its services. This includes investment in technology-enabled businesses, digital transformation initiatives, and international expansion.
The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for supporting the business on all commercial legal matters and will report directly to the Group Head of Legal. Working closely with Procurement and senior leadership teams, the successful candidate will negotiate revenue-generating contracts, manage key supplier arrangements, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency across the organisation, particularly through the effective use of technology and AI.
This role is ideal for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders and bringing a strategic perspective to complex projects. The position offers exposure to a broad range of legal matters within a large and ambitious organisation and would suit someone looking to make a meaningful impact while continuing to develop across multiple areas of law.
Key Responsibilities*Lead commercial contract negotiations, particularly across technology, IT and outsourcing arrangements.
*Take a creative and solutions-focused approach to legal and commercial challenges while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
*Advise senior stakeholders on risk allocation, liability, indemnities and commercial structuring.
*Apply a regulatory and governance-focused perspective to commercial decision-making.
*Act as a trusted advisor, balancing legal risk with practical business objectives.
*Lead on commercial legal matters within the Legal team under the direction of the Group Head of Legal.
*Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and provide training to senior stakeholders on key contractual provisions.
*Quickly understand business objectives and identify legal risks and opportunities to support strategic goals.
*Develop expertise across additional areas of law as required.
*Maintain accurate records of commercial agreements and legal documentation.
*Attend meetings with senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders to articulate legal risks, mitigation strategies and ongoing monitoring requirements.
*Manage external legal advisers and associated budgets.
*Partner closely with Risk and Compliance teams to provide integrated support.
*Support key transformation, technology and digital programmes.
*Improve legal processes and workflows to increase efficiency and enhance the internal client experience.
*Contribute to the development and maintenance of contract templates, playbooks, escalation frameworks and other legal resources.
Measures of Success*Delivering clear, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice.
*Supporting the business in achieving its objectives while effectively managing legal risk.
*Receiving positive feedback from internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
*Maintaining strong organisation and management of legal documentation and contract records.
*Ensuring governance requirements are followed and legal risks are clearly communicated.
*Remaining current with relevant legal, regulatory and case law developments.
*Building strong relationships across the business and ensuring stakeholder engagement in commercial projects.
*Raising the profile and value of the Legal function.
*Implementing and driving efficiency improvements within the Legal team.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications*Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience.
*Strong experience negotiating, drafting and supporting the implementation of commercial agreements.
*Experience advising on technology, IT, outsourcing and procurement-related matters is advantageous.
*Excellent commercial judgement and analytical capability.
*Strong communication skills with the ability to explain legal and commercial concepts clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
*Confidence to influence and constructively challenge stakeholders where required.
*Ability to quickly understand complex issues and provide practical, actionable advice.
*Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to leverage internal and external networks.
*High levels of integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
*Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
*Proactive approach with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
*Strong collaborative working style and ability to build effective relationships across the organisation.
*Professional, reliable and accountable.
*Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
What’s on Offer*Opportunity to join a large, purpose-driven organisation making a positive impact across the UK.
*Broad and varied commercial legal role with significant stakeholder exposure.
*Involvement in strategic projects, digital transformation initiatives and technology-focused work.
*Collaborative and supportive legal team environment.
*Hybrid working arrangement.
*Competitive salary