General Counsel

Job Title: General Counsel

About the Company:
Microlise is a leading software company operating in the UK and globally, providing innovative solutions to businesses. We have been recognised as one of the best workplaces in the UK, known for our excellent staff extras, including private medical insurance, free Costco membership, and life assurance.

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced General Counsel to join our team. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing all legal activities across the Microlise Group, ensuring compliance and risks are managed effectively. This includes leading a legal department that supports business growth, driving efficiency and scalability, and managing a wide range of legal issues, such as contracts, intellectual property, GDPR, employment law, and data protection.

Key Responsibilities:
- Providing legal advice on a range of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, GDPR, employment law, and data protection
- Identifying potential legal risks and vulnerabilities, and implementing changes to policies and procedures
- Enhancing controls to ensure deep understanding of legal compliances across the global Group
- Overseeing the drafting and reviewing of complex software license and related S.A.A.S. agreements and master service agreements, ensuring efficient and effective management across contractual life cycle
- Overseeing the operation of the legal department ensuring processes and systems are efficient and scalable to support growth with measurable key performance indicators
- Conducting legal research to ensure their organisation is up to date with the latest legal changes
- Representing the company in legal proceedings, working with outside counsel when required
- Managing the intellectual property portfolio, including trademark and patents
- Providing oversight to legal due diligence of potential acquisition targets and leading commercial due diligence
- Supporting with Company secretarial duties when necessary

Requirements:
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) 5+ years PQE, with proven experience in corporate and contract law, across a variety of contract types; Master, License, Supplier and Service-Level
- Commercially strong and experience of working within software/technology and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements
- Experience in strategic transactions and corporate dealmaking
- Proven track record of leading and managing a legal team in a growing business
- Sound understanding of Data Protection Laws and principles
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal issues to a variety of audiences
- Client focused approach, utilising knowledge and experience, demonstrating outstanding levels of diplomacy and tact
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
- A flexible attitude and able to thrive in a high-pressure environment
- Willingness to work in a matrix environment and values the importance of teamwork
- Able to problem solve effectively and generate innovative ideas, in turn translating them into practical solutions
- Be proactive and interested in new legislation and legal developments in the UK and overseas
- Understanding of international law (India, France, APAC) would be advantageous as we are global organisation

Salary: £120,000 - £150,000 per annum

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