Overview
Join Benchmark in a hybrid legal and operations role, combining hands‑on commercial contracting with the development of a more structured, scalable legal function. You will lead the end‑to‑end management of commercial contracts while driving improvements in legal processes, systems, and data. The focus is on speed, consistency and control, helping the business manage legal risk while supporting growth, acquisitions and supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the full lifecycle of commercial contracts across the group, including supplier, SaaS, outsourcing, platform and partnership agreements.
* Draft, review and negotiate contracts within agreed templates, playbooks and escalation frameworks.
* Manage and improve AI‑assisted contract review processes, maintaining consistency and risk oversight.
* Build and maintain a central contracts register and contract risk register.
* Implement and manage a structured contract lifecycle management (CLM) process.
* Drive adoption of legal tools and processes across the business.
* Introduce and embed legal technology, including CLM systems, AI tools and workflow automation.
* Track and report legal MI to support prioritisation and decision‑making.
* Develop and maintain playbooks, templates, guidance and standard operating procedures.
* Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual activity and strengthen risk management.
* Contribute across broader legal activity including M&A, regulatory work and business projects.
* Partner with stakeholders across the business to deliver practical, solutions‑led outcomes.
Qualifications
Essential
* 4 to 8 years’ experience in commercial contracts, legal operations or a legal delivery role.
* Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
* Experience working with templates, playbooks and standard terms.
* Exposure to improving or implementing legal processes, systems or operational frameworks.
Desirable
* Experience in financial services or another regulated environment.
* Exposure to outsourcing, technology, platform or SaaS agreements.
* Experience supporting M&A activity and due diligence.
Technical Knowledge
* Strong understanding of contract structures and risk allocation.
* Working knowledge of CLM systems or legal AI tools.
* Understanding of regulatory considerations linked to outsourcing and third‑party arrangements.
Desired Capabilities
* Strong drafting and negotiation capability.
* High attention to detail with a structured, process‑led approach.
* Comfort working with legal technology and automation tools.
* Ability to balance legal risk with commercial outcomes.
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
* Analytical mindset, able to identify trends, risks and inefficiencies.
* Confidence operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
Location
You will be based at Benchmark Head Office on the Broadlands Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex and will also be required to work from our other offices, including the main Schroders headquarters in London.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio‑economic background. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
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