Legal Counsel – The Openwork Partnership
We are seeking an experienced Corporate/M&A legal professional to provide expert support across the Group's strategic investment activities, including acquisitions, joint ventures and other corporate transactions. You will also assist the Group on wider legal matters and work alongside the wider legal team. This hybrid role (2 days a week in the Swindon office) plays a key part in delivering high quality legal advice on deal structuring, due diligence and post-transaction integration, while ensuring full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Key Accountabilities
* Produce accurate, timely and well‑presented legal advice to the Group.
* Provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice on investments and corporate transactions.
* Lead and support negotiations on corporate transactions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
* Undertake legal due diligence processes and advise on risk mitigation strategies.
* Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents including SPAs, shareholder agreements, and ancillary documentation.
* Work closely with senior stakeholders to maintain high standards of legal compliance and influence investment decisions.
* Interpret, communicate and monitor implementation of new and amended legislation to ensure business compliance.
* Participate in the formulation/enhancement of Legal/Corporate Services processes, policies and procedures.
* Attend Board and Committee meetings as required and assist the Chief of Staff functions as needed.
What You'll Need to Succeed
* 4–6 years PQE qualified solicitor with significant experience in corporate/M&A transactions, ideally within the financial services sector and/or regulated environment.
* Proven track record in managing acquisitions and strategic investments from inception to completion.
* Deep understanding of corporate law, M&A processes (particularly due diligence), and investment structures.
* Strong knowledge of financial services regulation and its impact on transactional activity.
* Awareness of Openwork strategy and conduct risks.
* Good problem‑solving, decision‑making and judgement skills.
* Inquisitive, collaborative, accountable, continually seeks improvement.
* Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously under tight deadlines.
* Proven ability to take on new responsibilities and develop skills in new areas of the law.
* Excellent oral and written communication, with ability to present complex issues clearly to senior leadership.
Benefits
* Salary £64,000 – £80,000
* Bonus scheme – on target bonus of 15%
* Pension scheme – your contribution up to 5% matched by Openwork plus an extra 5%
* Critical illness cover
* Income protection – 1× salary
* Death in service – 4× salary
* 27 days holiday + bank holidays, with option to buy up to 10 additional days
* Flexible benefits: private medical insurance, dental insurance, and more.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Legal
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