Head of Talent | Hiring across UK & Canada
In-House Legal Counsel
Location: Wilmslow - Hybrid
Citation Group is a collective of businesses dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across a range of essential services. We understand that managing a business involves balancing multiple priorities - from maintaining customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance to developing teams and achieving sustainable growth. Our mission is to ease these pressures by providing expertise, guidance, and solutions that enable business leaders to focus on strategic success. From HR and Health & Safety to Cybersecurity, E-Learning, and ISO compliance, we’ve got you covered.
We are a high-growth, fast-paced organisation with ambitious plans for the future. Backed by Private Equity, we acquire 6–8 businesses each year and consistently achieve double-digit year‑YOY. Our strategy combines both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. As we grow, we are committed to providing opportunities for our people to grow alongside us, developing their careers in step with the business.
The role
We're seeking an ambitious and commercially-minded in‑house lawyer to join at a pivotal time for the Group. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain broad exposure across multiple business units, industries and transaction types.
You’ll work alongside the General Counsel and external advisors on everything from day‑to‑day commercial matters to strategic Group initiatives. You’ll have the autonomy to own your own matters while working within a supportive environment where you can learn, develop expertise and make a real impact across the Group.
This is a broad, hands‑on role covering the full spectrum of in‑house work. You’ll support a wide range of projects and initiatives across the Group, gaining exposure to different businesses, issues and stakeholders and playing a key part in how we support and grow the organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the legal function as it scales. You'll contribute to developing legal policies, procedures and processes, and support the implementation of systems and best practices that enable the team to operate more efficiently and effectively.
With this role, you will:
* Review, negotiate and draft a wide range of commercial contracts including supplier agreements, SaaS/technology agreements, service agreements, the Group's standard terms and conditions and bespoke customer contracts. You will ensure that the contract database, commercial templates and playbooks are maintained.
* Support the M&A team with due diligence and post‑acquisition planning and integration as the Group continues to grow.
* Support the business beyond purely legal matters—we're there to offer our insights and help solve problems. This might include supporting the Group's expansion into new markets, the launch of new products globally or supporting the AI team with the Group’s AI initiatives.
* Work alongside the Group's DPO and Information Security functions, advising on data protection and privacy compliance (GDPR and equivalent regimes) and related information security and risk management matters.
* Manage and maintain, with support from our external advisors, the Group's intellectual property and trade mark portfolios, advise on IP protection and ownership of new products and services, and support IP‑related matters across multiple jurisdictions.
* Support the Group’s HR/People teams on employment law matters, including contracts, share schemes, policy reviews and employment disputes.
* Manage dispute resolution and risk mitigation, with support from external advisors when required.
* Oversee the Group's property portfolio and related legal matters, including supporting with property transactions and lease negotiations.
* Conduct legal research and stay on top of key developments in our sectors, keeping stakeholders updated on relevant changes. You will also prepare and deliver training across the Group to support the business where required.
Key Stakeholders and Reporting Line
You'll work closely with and report to the General Counsel, who will mentor you and provide guidance. Your time will be spent where it has the biggest impact on our performance/ability to take action in line with our growth plan. You can expect to build relationships with key stakeholders across the Group from various teams, which will include M&A, Technology, HR and People, Product and Service, Sales, and the DPO and Information Security functions. The role will also involve liaising with our external advisors and managing external costs.
About you:
* Ability and desire to work in a fast‑paced and ever‑evolving environment.
* Strong commercial awareness and genuine interest in business matters.
* A positive attitude with a proactive, solution‑focused approach to problem‑solving.
* Aligned with our Group’s core values – “Make it Happen”, “Never Settle”, “Choose Right” and “Smart with Heart”.
* A team player who can build relationships and influence across the Group.
* Excellent drafting and communication skills.
* Comfortable working across multiple business areas and jurisdictions with the ability to manage multiple matters and prioritise effectively.
* Experience in in‑house legal roles.
* Familiarity with commercial contracting and negotiations.
* Background in technology, SaaS or subscription‑based services.
Why choose us?
25 Days of Holiday + Bank Holidays: We’re talking sun‑soaked beaches, snow‑capped mountains, or simply your favourite cozy spot at home. Take your well‑deserved break with 25 days of holiday, plus those cherished bank holidays.
Birthday Bliss: Your birthday isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s YOUR day! Enjoy it in style with a day off, because at Citation, we believe in celebrating YOU.
Post‑Wedding Bliss: Newlyweds, we’ve got something special for you too! Extra weeks of holiday to bask in the glow of post‑wedding happiness.
Growing Families: We’re all about supporting our Citation family, and that includes expectant parents. Vouchers and special perks await to celebrate the newest addition to your family.
Healthcare cash plan: Your well‑being is our priority. That’s why we offer private healthcare to ensure your peace of mind and keep you feeling your best.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Legal
* Industries: Legal Services and Business Consulting and Services
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