Chief Legal Officer – Global Media & Tech

Footballco; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Footballco is seeking a General Counsel to lead and reshape the in-house legal function. The role requires seniority to own hard calls, complex deal structures, and multi-jurisdictional governance across the UK, US, Middle East, and beyond.

You will report to the Group CFO, sit on the SLT, and work closely with the CEO and board. Hybrid London-based, with 2–3 days in the office, and a focus on commercial strategy and growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with England & Wales qualification and 8–14 years PQE.
• Experience as GC/Deputy GC/Legal Director in global digital media, sports, entertainment, or tech.
• Proven line management experience (managing 3 staff).
• Strong track record with transactions including M&A, investments, or financing.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive & strategic legal advisory to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead and develop a small in-house team (2 junior counsel + paralegal).
• Own difficult commercial decisions in sponsorship, media rights, and licensing.
• Oversee transactions, diligence, disclosure, and post-completion integration.
• Advise CEO/CFO and govern group governance, board papers and investor expectations.
• Manage IP, brand rights, licensing, and enforcement across the portfolio.
• Own data privacy framework across UK/EU, US, and Middle East regions.
• Optimize external counsel engagement and control legal spend.
• Handle disputes and employment matters; drive process improvements and playbooks.

Skills

Executive advisory

Team leadership

Strategic decisions

M&A & financing

Executive governance

IP & licensing

Data privacy

External spend

Disputes & employment

Process & tooling

Job description

Footballco is seeking a General Counsel to lead and reshape the in-house legal function. The role requires seniority to own hard calls, complex deal structures, and multi-jurisdictional governance across the UK, US, Middle East, and beyond.

You will report to the Group CFO, sit on the SLT, and work closely with the CEO and board. Hybrid London-based, with 2–3 days in the office, and a focus on commercial strategy and growth.