Senior Legal Counsel – 12 Months FTC

Senior Legal Counsel, 12 Months FTC, London

Join our team at Pay.UK and make a difference in the UK’s payments industry. As a Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll provide expert legal advice, manage legal risks, and support decision-making. You’ll work closely with colleagues across all Pay.UK Directories and contribute to the effective management of our Legal and Data Protection function.

Key Accountabilities 

• Acts as the first point of escalation for legal risks identified and raised by Legal Counsels and Paralegals within the team
• Manages legal risks in a timely, relevant, pragmatic and proportionate manner
• Acts as legal subject matter expert who is able to work collaboratively and persuasively by offering expert, relevant, proportionate and pragmatic recommendations aligned with Pay.UK’s risk appetite
• Stays up to date with new legislation, regulations, caselaw and business practices that are relevant to Pay.UK;
• Pinpoints emerging or potential legal risks Pay.UK may face and suggests suitable remedial measures in alignment with the organisation’s risk framework
• Supports the HOL on the development and maintenance of policies, processes and controls that are required for the effective management of legal risk across Pay.UK and for the operational management of the Legal function in line with the ERR and Legal RCSA
• Contributes to building a first line of defence culture by supporting training and development initiatives for our business colleagues
• Develops, maintains, and broadens their network of colleagues across the organisation in order to position themselves as trusted senior advisor
• Manages external legal counsel, in accordance with the Pay.UK Legal Outsourcing Process.
• Supports HOL in the management of the Legal and DP function, including, but not limited to, budget, training and resourcing aspects
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with colleagues and third parties on complex legal and contractual matters
• Supports the development and regular update of templates and legal documentation; and maintains the documentation and evidence necessary for the Pay.UK Legal Team to operate effectively

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in England & Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland
• Prior experience as a member of an internal legal team within the payments or financial services sector is desirable
• Knowledge of law, legal risks management and current developments that may impact the payments industry
• Good understanding of Data Protection law (FS related ideally)
• Understanding of the UK payments ecosystem, its stakeholders, regulators and the implications of running critical national infrastructure
• Curiosity about the law and current legal trends; and how these affect Pay.UK’s business
• Ability to act as an ambassador for the Legal and Data Protection function
• Ability to deal and engage with senior stakeholders
• Good interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Ability to persuade, negotiate and resolve conflicts constructively
• Skilled at operating efficiently during periods of high demand

At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements listed. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees. Become part of our team and contribute to the creation of an inclusive work environment that values everyone’s unique input.

About Us

Pay.UK maintains and develops the UK retail payment systems and standards that are core to the economy being able to function on a day-to-day basis.

From Bacs to Faster Payments and cheques – we act as the single operator for all UK retail payments. We put the needs of consumers and businesses at the heart of everything we do, working in the public interest to ensure that the systems the country relies on for its banking transactions are safe, open, innovative and resilient.

Our payment systems underpin the services that enable funds to be transferred between people and institutions. In 2023, the UK’s retail payment systems processed 11.4 billion transactions worth £9.3 trillion through Bacs Direct Credit, Direct Debit, Faster Payments, and cheques, and our Current Account Switch Service has facilitated over 10.2 million switches since its launch in 2013.

Every day, people and businesses use the services we provide to get their salaries, pay their bills and make online and mobile banking payments. Our vision for the future is to enable a vibrant economy, with Pay.UK delivering the best-in-class payment infrastructure and standards for the benefit of consumers and businesses nationwide.

Benefits & Additional Information

• 12% Non-contributory pension
• Discretionary annual bonus 
• 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, health cash plan, dental insurance, Bupa medicals etc
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Annual fitness subsidy of up to £500 per annum
• Working from home policy – minimum 40% in the office (eg. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week)

Please note: Benefits for FTC roles may vary 

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