NPL Head of Legal, UK at a portfolio company of a high profile global fund
Position Overview
* We are seeking an accomplished solicitor (5-6 PQE plus) from a reputable law firm or in-house, and a minimum of 3 years’ dedicated experience in non-performing loan (NPL) transactions, securitisations, warehouse financings or other structured finance transactions.
* The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting complex portfolio acquisitions across 20 European jurisdictions, reporting directly to GC and CIO of the fund.
* This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the investment desk and cross-functional teams of this highly prestigious global fund, providing high-level legal support on transaction execution and partner relationship management.
* This role requires 4 days per week in the office (central London) and 1 day WFH.
Key Responsibilities
* Review Legal Documentation: Critically review and negotiate binding and non-binding bid offer letters, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and purchase agreements in the context of NPL portfolio acquisitions across Europe.
* Investment Team Liaison: Act as a primary legal contact for the commercial team of the Bank, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on transaction objectives and timelines.
* Co-Investment Coordination: Coordinate co-investment and partner relationships, including managing communications and documentation with co-investor investment and legal teams. Attend and contribute to regular operational calls to progress deal execution.
* External Counsel Supervision: Instruct, manage and supervise external counsel across European jurisdictions on complex NPL acquisitions, ensuring advice is commercially sound, timely, and aligned with internal risk parameters.
* Corporate Secretarial/Regulatory Coordination: Collaborate with the corporate secretarial function to facilitate smooth execution and signing of transaction documentation. Provide support on regulatory supervision of the London branch of the bank
* Document Management: Maintain an organised and up-to-date document management system for all transaction-related materials, ensuring accessibility, confidentiality, and compliance with internal protocols.
Required Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent common law/European jurisdiction);
* 5–6 years’ minimum PQE in a leading law firm and/or in-house (more senior candidates will be considered);
* Inhouse experience is preferred but not essential;
* At least 3 years’ demonstrable experience advising on NPL transactions (including cross-border portfolio acquisitions in Europe), securitisations, warehouse financings or other structured finance transactions; and
* Proven track record of managing legal aspects of complex, multi-jurisdictional deals.
Skills and Competencies
* Legal Expertise: Deep knowledge of NPL portfolio acquisition structures, documentation, and regulatory considerations across European markets.
* Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.
* Coordination: Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage multiple workstreams, coordinate stakeholders across jurisdictions, and drive transactions to completion under tight deadlines.
* Attention to Detail: Rigorous approach to document review and management, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all stages.
* Teamwork: Collaborative, proactive, and able to build effective relationships with internal teams, co-investors, and external counsel.
* Organisation: Strong organisational skills with a systematic approach to document management and process improvement.