Santander Consumer Finance UK (SCUK) is based in Redhill, Surrey and provides motor finance to a network of car dealerships throughout the United Kingdom.

We are pleased to share that we are looking for a Commercial Legal Counsel to join us on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract, providing support to the Head of Legal. The role will require you to provide accurate and timely legal, regulatory and corporate governance advice to all areas of the business and ensure that strategic and business objectives are delivered with legal risks monitored and controlled.

As part of this important role, you will ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements with a 'Think Customer' approach. You will anticipate, review and implement new legislative requirements affecting SCUK, and ensure legal risk management remains a priority within the business. The role will also require the provision of support on corporate/internal governance matters, the review of commercial agreements and the general operation of the internal legal function.

Please note:

• this is a hybrid role with at least 3 days a week in the Redhill office. Remote workers will not be considered
• Due to the urgency of the role and the vetting requirements, we can only consider candidates that are immediately available with no notice period

Responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a point of contact for the business on legal matters and provide advice
• Reviewing relevant laws and regulation and actively collaborate with other functions and stakeholders on the timely implementation of requirements or changes
• Advice on interpretation and impact of relevant laws/regulation affecting the Company
• Drafting/reviewing commercial contracts, partner arrangements, supplier agreements, and other documentation (from inception) and transact accordingly in a legally compliant manner in accordance with Company policies and business requirements and keep appropriate records
• Assist in regulatory landscape horizon scanning.
• Assist the Head of Legal in running and delivery of legal projects
• Provide support to project initiatives and programmes, including reviewing requirements documentation and making recommendations from a legal advisory perspective
• Raise the profile of legal services and risk management within the business by utilising various channels
• Attend meetings / industry forums as directed by the Head of Legal
• Manage and coordinate relevant external legal support
• Dealing with/escalating identified risks in relation to SCUK risk policies and/or legislative and regulatory guidelines in accordance with the Santander UK group risk framework
• Assist the Head of Legal, the Legal & Compliance Director & Compliance team in ensuring effective governance is in place, such as reviewing and drafting policies, procedures, committee terms of references, drafting relevant committee documents and minutes
• Assist the Head of Legal, the Legal & Compliance Director or the Compliance team with any relevant corporate/internal governance matters

We're looking for someone who:

• Is a UK Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Attorney/FCILEX-2-5yrs PQE with relevant experience working for an in-house legal department of a large organisation or law firm
• Has experience in reviewing and drafting commercial contracts including procurement, supplier and intermediary relationships
• Has experience advising on legal compliance matters including GDPR, competition, anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions and money laundering regulations
• Has the ability to analyse, evaluate and communicate issues
• Has digital and ecommerce legal and regulatory knowledge/experience
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships internally (including senior stakeholders) as well as externally
• Has well-developed report writing and I.T. skill

We have a range of benefits available which include:

• A competitive salary of circa £80,000 (dependent on skills & experience)
• 30 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
• Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
• Car allowance
• Private medical cover
• Generous pension contributions
• Employee assistance programme
• Sharesave scheme
• Gym passes at a reduced rate for 3,000 gyms, leisure centres etc

Other things you need to know:

• The working hours for this role are 09:00-17:00, across Monday - Friday

Inclusion

At Santander we're creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed.  We all help to make Santander a workplace that celebrates diversity and attracts, retains and develops the most talented and committed people through living our values of Simple, Personal, and Fair.

At Santander Consumer Finance we have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying, harassment (including sexual) or victimisation of any kind.

Should you want to be considered for part time hours, please let us know and we can assess your requirements.

What are the next steps:

If you are interested in this role and believe you have the skills, experience, and knowledge then we'd love to hear from you. Please go ahead and click apply which will take you through some questions and allow you to submit your CV and covering letter.