Overview
We’re looking for a Director to operate as the Group Legal lead for commercial contracts globally. You’ll be a strategic legal advisor to Supplier Operations and wider leadership teams, helping Monzo build one of the world’s most innovative banks. You’ll join Monzo Bank Limited (MBL) in a Group Centre role within the Legal & Board Governance Collective, reporting to the Group Centre General Counsel to provide first-rate legal advice and commercial contract support to our UK, Europe and US businesses as we pursue our commercial objectives.
Responsibilities
* You will be a trusted senior advisor providing legal advice and commercial insights supporting all of Monzo’s operating entities globally with their commercial contract needs.
* Act as a commercial contracts expert and strategic partner to Supplier Operations, collaborating with Risk & Control teams and other contracting stakeholders across the Monzo Group.
* Lead a team of highly-skilled contractors, mentor and support other lawyers across the wider team.
* Develop and maintain standard contract templates, playbooks, and best practices to ensure consistency and speed; promote automation and self-service through technology solutions.
* Own and develop the Contract Lifecycle Management strategy, including embedding the use of AI and LLM systems.
* Lead a panel of IT and outsourcing contract experts (currently 9 contractors) that supports all Monzo entities globally; manage demand and delivery of contract services including drafting, review and negotiation of complex, high-value agreements (IT, outsourcing, software licensing, SaaS, cloud services and other technology-related contracts).
* Recruit, onboard, allocate work, handle escalations and support billing for panel members.
* Deliver key insights and metrics on the flow of contract work, costs, and progress in embedding automation.
* Identify and assess legal and commercial risks within contracts and provide pragmatic, commercially-focused advice to mitigate those risks.
* Embed best practices in mapping contractual obligations into business processes and controls.
* Drive efficiency and innovation in contracting, championing technology to streamline workflows and reporting. Familiarity with Ironclad and Omnea is a plus.
* Evaluate, implement and embed new legal technology solutions; empower business teams to manage contracts and risks using appropriate frameworks and tools.
* Support in-country General Counsels and their teams with legal and regulatory advice related to outsourcing and other commercial contract issues in financial services.
* Collaborate with the General Counsel Group Centre to identify and manage legal and regulatory risks related to commercial contracts, partnerships and outsourcings, and respond to new regulatory requirements.
* Provide forward-looking guidance on legal and regulatory developments relevant to commercial contracts, partnerships, and outsourcing to help Monzo thrive in a dynamic environment.
* Champion new technology innovations to improve productivity of the legal team and increase scalability.
* Lead broader initiatives within the Legal & Board Governance Collective to grow and develop the teams and services offered.
* Manage relationships with external suppliers and law firms to optimise spend while delivering high-quality legal support.
* Contribute as a technically excellent and experienced commercial contracts lawyer with deep expertise in a technology or financial services setting (minimum 10 years PQE in the UK).
* Lead IT and outsourcing arrangements with knowledge of data protection, intellectual property, and AI/LLMs; experience advising on cross-border contracts (UK, EU, US).
* Experience in-house leading a commercial contract team in a global technology or technology-led financial services group; or equivalent private practice experience with significant in-house exposure; able to lead contractors and engage credibly on technology developments.
* Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to explain complex issues clearly; strategic thinker, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced change.
* Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and build open, trusting relationships at all levels including Board and C-suite.
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and work independently under tight deadlines.
Qualifications
* Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) as a commercial contracts lawyer in the UK.
* Expertise in IT and outsourcing arrangements; knowledge of data protection, regulatory considerations, and technology-related contracts; experience with AI/LLMs preferred.
* In-house leadership experience of a commercial contract team in a global technology or technology-led financial services environment; or equivalent private practice experience with substantial in-house exposure.
* Experience advising on cross-border contracts (UK, EU, US) and data protection implications (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
* Comfortable leading a team of contractors and collaborating with senior stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
* Strong track record of modernising and scaling legal processes and systems, including contract lifecycle management and technology-enabled workflows.
* Strategic thinker with excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
* Dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for banking and technology.
Location & Process
This role is based in London; visa sponsorship and relocation support may be available on a case-by-case basis. Flexible working hours are offered.
Interview Process
* Full loop: Technical, Behavioural & Leadership interviews.
* The average process takes 3-4 weeks, with scheduling arranged around your availability.
Equal Opportunities
Monzo is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. See our diversity and inclusion resources for more information.
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