Legal Counsel - 12 month FTC

Job Description

Our Legal Network Expansion Team sits within the Legal Corporate Directorate in the General Counsel’s Office. We work on corporate projects to keep the business future-ready, including the recently-announced acquisition of Netomnia, one of the UK’s largest “alt-net” providers (currently going through a governance process). Reporting to a Senior Legal Counsel within the team, we are looking for a Legal Counsel on a 12-month fixed term contract to assist with corporate projects and their subsequent operational integration!

The successful candidate will be a key part of a high-performing legal team that collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders across Virgin Media O2. They will also coordinate with our shareholders and external advisors to help deliver business and transactional projects. This involves both “getting the deal done” and helping make them an operational reality. Industry experience within telecommunications / technology sector would be advantageous but is not essential provided the successful candidate is enthusiastic and interested in developing their sectoral awareness; transactional experience within a fast-moving, regulated sector and bringing the right mindset are the pre-requisites.

The role requires the ability to present to and communicate with mid to senior audiences and building relationships with individuals spanning varied functions across the business, as well as escalating matters where required, be comfortable working with external counsel and providing instructions where appropriate.

Who we are

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we’re building a more connected future for everyone.

Our ways of working

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person.

That doesn’t just mean time in the office, it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days - anywhere meaningful collaboration happens. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

The must haves

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience;

• Corporate and/or Commercial lawyer (qualified solicitor or barrister) with experience of corporate and commercial matters.
• Agile communicator with excellent drafting skills. Diplomatic and articulate; able to communicate points constructively and succinctly in writing and orally, adapting style to relevant stakeholders taking account of their seniority and/or insight.
• Exposure to drafting, negotiating, interpreting, and advising on transaction documents and complex commercial arrangements (such as Master Service Agreements).
• Strong organisational skills, recognising the need to build strong relationships across functions, in order to run multiple workstreams with tight deadlines working with different specialist teams.
• Comfortable with change in a complex, fast-moving commercial environment and competent in coping with uncertainty and risk, and so able to provide recommendations/ advice on short timescales based on information available at the time.
• Team player with a willingness to get stuck in and help drive projects and workstreams to a successful conclusion.

The other stuff we are looking for

We'd also love you to bring;

• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and issues that arise in joint ventures.
• Financially literate with an understanding of the Company’s key performance indicators and able to articulate how these may impact on key projects and advice being provided.
• Interest in the TMT sector and willingness to learn more about it and its regulatory and commercial context.
• Flexibility to travel to Law firms in London as and when required.

What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a Saville assessment and 2 stage interview process.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.

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