Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Business Unit: Plc

Location: London

Hours: 40

Salary: Competitive

Restore PLC provides mission critical services enabling organisations to protect, manage and utilise their valuable data, information and assets. The Group has five businesses organised across two divisions: Digital & Information Management and Secure Lifecycle Services. A dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of the sector with a commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainability, we have established ourselves as a leader in data and asset management.

As we continue to grow, and following the appointment of our first General Counsel, we are seeking to add to our legal capabilities with the recruitment of a highly skilled and motivated in-house corporate/commercial lawyer to join our newly-formed legal function.

The Legal Counsel role will play a pivotal role in providing Legal Counsel and support to the organisation. This individual will work closely with various departments, senior management, and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, mitigate legal risks, and contribute to the achievement of the company's strategic objectives.

Whilst much of the focus will be on contract drafting and negotiation, for the right individual with the appetite to do so, there is the opportunity to broaden the scope of their experience by providing support in other areas, including M&A, compliance, risk management and company secretarial/governance in an AIM-listed company

RESPONSIBILITIES

Restore Group and its five business units across various critical areas including commercial contracts, disputes, employment and property matters, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Stay ahead of changes in legislation and ensure that the company's policies and practices remain compliant. You'll also have the opportunity to work with and manage external advisers as required.

In the realm of contract drafting and review, you'll be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of agreements including sales, services, software licenses, sub-contracts, procurement, non-disclosure, SaaS, and data processing documents. Collaborate closely with business units to understand their objectives and provide essential legal support in contract negotiations, including competitive tender processes for both private and public sector customers.

Your role will also involve supporting in improving contractual rigor across the group, including drafting/updating legal templates, enhancing contracting processes, and improving legal/contractual awareness across internal stakeholders.

In the domain of risk management and compliance, you will have the opportunity to understand Restore’s risk appetite and policy framework, identify and assess legal risks, and propose strategies to mitigate such risks. You will work closely with the General Counsel to mitigate legal and compliance risk and enhance risk management policies and procedures.

Additionally, you'll provide advice on intellectual property issues as they arise in the business, whether in customer contract negotiations, IT/software procurement, or acquisitions. You'll also play a key role in supporting the maintenance and defense of our trade mark portfolio and evaluating the need for potential intellectual property registrations/protections.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, influencing critical decisions and shaping legal strategy across diverse business units.

ABOUT YOU

• An England and Wales qualified lawyer with a current practicing certificate.
• 5+ years’ PQE (although candidates with more or less PQE who are considered to have the right blend of experience will naturally be considered).
• Strong experience in commercial contracts, preferably with some prior in-house experience.
• A good working knowledge of GDPR and data protection in the UK, particularly in the context of contract negotiation.
• Commercially-minded and pragmatic in decision-making but not afraid to push back or escalate as required and in accordance with Restore’s delegated authorities.
• Used to working closely and autonomously with sales, operations, finance and compliance teams.
• Responsive to the needs of internal and external clients/stakeholders.
• Experience working with public sector customers, particularly on public procurement processes would be a bonus given Restore’s increasing focus on Government work.
• Whilst not a pre-requisite, given Restore’s extensive property footprint, experience in dealing with property matters in conjunction with external counsel (such as new leases, lease exits, lease disputes).
• A self-starter who is prepared to pro-actively seek-out ways to support the business in pursuit of its strategic objectives as well as to improve processes to mitigate risk.

Restore is the UK’s leading provider in integrated information and data management, technology recycling, and commercial relocation services. Providing physical and virtual data storage, digitisation and automation of data, secure data erasure and destruction, relocation and IT recycling services, Restore's mission is to be the most trusted environmentally responsible provider to the private and public sector.

An Inclusive Approach

We are committed to becoming a great place to work, one that is inclusive, safe and where people can reach their true potential. We value the contribution that all our colleagues make and aim to have a company that recognises the diverse, multi-cultural society in which we live. We actively encourage applications from all members of our community, including those from underrepresented groups. We are happy to consider flexible working options, including part time hours wherever this is practically possible.

We're also interested in hearing from individuals with different career experiences, including those that are looking to return to work following a career break.