Group General Counsel

THE TEAM

JSM is a utilities service provider specialising in the delivery of integrated power and communications solutions. It is a private equity backed business that is rapidly growing.

Since inception in 1998, JSM have aspired to develop long term relationships with all clients. Together with the ethos of providing quality and competitively priced solutions, JSM have delivered a significant number of infrastructure projects for industry leading energy and communications companies across the UK. JSM’s reputation within the utilities industry for delivery has enabled us to secure main contractor status with many clients throughout the fast communications and Electricity Supply Infrastructure sectors.

SCOPE OF ROLE

In this role asGroup General Counsel,youwill oversee the legal strategy and operations of our business, reporting into andworking closely with our CEO. This senior-level role will be pivotal in shaping the company’s legal, compliance, and governance framework, ensuring it aligns with both regulatory requirements and business objectives. In this role, youwill focus on safeguarding the organisation’s interests amidst a dynamic business landscape.

As a key advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic legal counsel that effectively balances the needs for business growth with stringent regulatory compliance. You will lead and coordinate legal resources to ensure mutual success across projects.

Your team will be predominantly focused on managing and providing guidance on commercial contracts related to construction and infrastructure projects, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers. You will ensure legal compliance and actively mitigate risks across the company's operations.

You have ahands-on leadership style that aligns with our entrepreneurial spirit and a greatbackground in EMEA operations, particularly in legal aspects of construction and infrastructure.

HOW YOU`LL SUCCEED

1. Strategic Legal Advisory and Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, delivering high-quality legal counsel on corporate, financial, commercial, and operational issues.
• Lead efforts to address complex legal matters, ensuring they align with business strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively drive risk assessment and mitigation strategies to anticipate legal challenges related to business expansion and operations.
• Significantly contribute to the company's multinational strategy.

2. Leadership and Collaboration

• Engage in key strategy-setting discussions and initiatives to facilitate company growth during this critical phase.
• Oversee the effective prioritisation and utilisation of legal resources.

3. Corporate Governance and Compliance

• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring adherence to best practices in corporate governance.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including filings, board activities, and regulatory reporting.
• Champion the organisation’s commitment to legal and ethical standards, including compliance with GDPR, cybersecurity, and data protection laws.

4. Commercial Contracts and Negotiations

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, such as supplier contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and implement standardised contractual frameworks to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Collaborate with multinational clients and suppliers on contractual matters.

5. Regulatory Risk Management

• Monitor and adapt to changes in the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
• Establish and coordinate risk management frameworks that protect the organisation’s reputation and operational integrity.
• Collaborate with local legal counsel in other jurisdictions to assess risks associated with licenses, permits, insurance, and other considerations relevant to entrepreneurial initiatives.

6. Dispute Resolution

• Manage legal disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, balancing commercial objectives with legal soundness.

7. Leadership in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Financing

• Provide expert legal guidance in mergers and acquisitions, financing agreements, and investment initiatives.

8. Employment Law and Organisational Support

• Assist HR in navigating employment law matters, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and best practices.

WHAT IT TAKES

• Qualified legal professional in the UK with over 10 years of post-qualification experience.
• Experience incommercial law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, and compliance.
• Experience working with or advising enterprises, particularly in the construction or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven track record of balancing legal risks with commercial objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks within our industry.
• Experience in international start-up or scale-up settings.
• Proactive and commercially-minded approach.
• Valuable experience with European-wide contracting.

Preferred Skills

• Keen business sense, with the ability to develop creative, business-oriented solutions to legal issues while balancing legal risks against business interests.
• Proven ability to work efficiently and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently while also being an effective collaborator.
• Demonstrated team spirit and the capacity to work with colleagues across different locations.
• Capability to establish "trusted advisor" relationships with key business team members.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and change.
• Foreign language skills and international experienceare a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Career growth opportunities with training & development
• Private Pension Scheme
• Health cash plan
  
• Discounted Gym Scheme
• Long Service Award
• Retail Discount Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 28 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• 2 paid volunteering days a year

Equal Opportunity Statement

JSMGroup Services Ltd.is an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences, to help everyone achieve more at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success. We believe that all decisions about people at work should be based on the individual’s abilities, skills, performance and behaviour and our business requirements. JSM Group operates a zero tolerance policy to any form of discrimination, abuse or harassment.