Department: Central Services
Location: Cheltenham
Description
The Legal Counsel (Contracts) will provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to the Head of Legal in managing contractual matters across the UK insurance services business.
This role focuses on assisting with the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of contracts, ensuring compliance with UK laws and regulations, and supporting the smooth onboarding of clients and management of outsourcing arrangements. The role is ideal for an individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in developing expertise in contract law within the insurance and financial services sector.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Support
Assist in the preparation, drafting, and review of client and outsourcing contracts under the guidance of the Head of Legal.
Support contract negotiations by preparing summaries, highlighting key issues, and ensuring documentation reflects agreed terms.
Maintain and update contract templates, ensuring alignment with current UK legal standards and internal policies.
Track contract lifecycle milestones, including renewals, expirations, and required updates.
Client Onboarding & Outsourcing
Support the Head of Legal in onboarding new clients by preparing required contractual documents and coordinating with internal teams.
Assist in managing outsourcing contracts, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory requirements and maintaining accurate contract records.
Legal Research & Risk Management
Conduct basic legal research on UK insurance and financial services regulations as they relate to contracts.
Identify potential legal risks and escalate them to the Head of Legal for resolution.
Assist in implementing strategies to mitigate contractual risks across the business.
Administrative & Organisational Support
Manage contract databases, ensuring accurate record-keeping and accessibility.
Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
Support coordination between legal, compliance, and operational teams on contractual matters.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Previous experience in a legal support, paralegal, or contract administration role (preferably in insurance or financial services).
Strong understanding of UK contract law and basic knowledge of insurance sector regulations.
Excellent drafting, proofreading, and organisational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
Law degree or paralegal qualification preferred.
Working knowledge of UK insurance and financial services regulatory framework is desirable.
Familiarity with contract lifecycle management systems is an advantage
Experience working within or supporting entities operating in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market is strongly preferred
Strong attention to detail and proactive problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management tools.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise across teams and with external stakeholders.
Demonstrates behaviours aligned to the PoloWorks PRIDE values:
* Pioneering – we don’t stand still
* Responsible – We do the right thing
* Inclusive – we all play a role
* Delivery Focused- we provide services we are proud of
* Empowering – we equip people to be their best
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