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Legal Counsel – IT/Technology (4+ years PQE)

Location: We welcome applications from those looking for hybrid working, based 2 days in our Handforth (Cheshire) Office.  We will however also consider applications from candidates more experienced in IT/Technology related roles looking for predominantly remote working.

Competitive package, including excellent benefits.

About Us

Pets at Home Group Plc is the UK’s leading pet care business, providing pets and their owners with the very best advice, products and care. Pet products are available online or from over 450 pet care centres, many of which also have vet practices and grooming salons. The Group also operates a leading small animal veterinary business, with over 440 veterinary general practices located both in our pet care centres and in standalone locations.

“We put pets first” is our number one value at Pets at Home. Every colleague has a part to play to ensure that we deliver on this value every day. Our love and understanding of pets led us to develop our long-term goal to improve the life of every pet in the UK. 

This covers not only the pets in our care, the pets of owners that use our products and services but also the pets that we can help through our charity work and through educating and advocating for change in society and the wider pet care and veterinary industry. 

Our business is fast-paced, innovative, at the cutting edge of technological developments and fun and it's our people that make the real difference.

This role represents a fantastic opportunity to come and work for an award-winning company, who put people at the very heart of everything they do.

About the role

As our specialist Legal Counsel in IT/Technology related matters, you will lead on IT and Technology matters across the wider Group, whilst providing support to key internal stakeholders. You will report directly to the Head of Legal (Vets) & Deputy Company Secretary and work closely with the other members of our friendly and welcoming legal team.

As Legal Counsel in IT/Technology, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on all core IT contracts and technology legal matters across the Group, including SaaS agreements, software licensing, IT communications and infrastructure arrangements, and outsourcing agreements.
• Working closely with data privacy and information security teams to ensure we maintain best practice across the organisation.
• Supporting IT-related forums across the Group, such as the Information Security Steering Committee.
• Drafting, reviewing, and evaluating internal policies and legal documents when necessary.
• Organising, updating, and delivering legal and compliance training for colleagues.

About you….what we would like you to bring to our role and business

• A degree in law (UK qualification preferred) with 4+ years PQE in a law firm or in-house.
• In-depth knowledge of IT and technology agreements, including drafting and negotiating such contracts.
• Experience/knowledge of providing general commercial advice.
• In-house experience would be desirable.
• Excellent communication skills with an excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail and a commercially pragmatic attitude.
• To be able to work independently and with respect for reporting procedures.
• The ability to draft legal documents/summaries/emails in a concise and thorough manner and in plain language.
• To respond efficiently to routine legal questions or issues.
• The ability to identify and analyse core IT/technology legal issues.
• Stay on top of regulatory changes and key case law.
• A proactive ”can do” attitude.
• Be comfortable working both collaboratively and independently within a hybrid working environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and a good command of IT skills.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to take on an exciting and challenging role and grow your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Pets just see people. They aren’t biased and they don’t discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!