General Counsel

Page Executive; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in the UK is seeking an experienced General Counsel to lead its Legal Directorate. In this critical role, you will provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership and oversee the Bank's legal risk management framework, driving innovation within a large team. The ideal candidate is a qualified legal professional with a deep understanding of financial regulation and significant experience influencing at the executive level. This opportunity offers a generous benefits package and the potential for flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Discretionary performance award

8% benefits allowance

26 days' annual leave

Private medical insurance

Flexible working options

Flexible working policies

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of financial regulation and public law is essential.
• Proven ability to advise at Board and Executive level on complex issues.
• Experience managing large, diverse legal teams.
• Exceptional judgment in managing legal and reputational risks.
• Skilled at building relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of approximately 200 legal professionals.
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership.
• Oversee the Bank's legal risk management framework.
• Represent the Bank in high-profile legal matters.
• Champion innovation, inclusion, and wellbeing within the Legal Directorate.

Skills

Expert Legal Leader

Strategic Advisor

Transformational Leader

Risk Navigator

Influencer

Inclusive Innovator

Global Perspective

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent

Job description

• Lead legal strategy at the heart of UK financial stability.
• Shape policy and drive innovation in a world-class legal team

About Our Client

The Bank of England is the UK's central bank, committed to maintaining monetary and financial stability for the public good. We play a vital role in shaping the UK's economic future, from setting interest rates to safeguarding the financial system. Our work impacts millions of people and businesses, and we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking institution that values integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Joining us means being part of a mission-driven organisation at the heart of the UK economy.

Job Description

The Bank of England is seeking an exceptional General Counsel to lead its Legal Directorate - the Bank's in-house legal function. This is a critical leadership role, providing strategic legal counsel across the full breadth of the Bank's regulatory, policy-making, and operational functions. You will be the Bank's chief legal adviser and custodian of legal risk, shaping responses to domestic and international developments.

As General Counsel, you will sit on key executive committees, including EPCC and EOCC, and act as an observer on the Financial Policy Committee and Prudential Regulation Committee.



Key Responsibilities

· Lead and inspire a team of ~200 legal professionals, driving transformation and operational excellence.

· Provide strategic legal advice to the Governor, Board/Court, and senior leadership on financial regulation, banking operations, and public law.

· Oversee the Bank's legal risk management framework and ensure compliance with UK and international legislation.

· Represent the Bank in high-profile legal matters, including litigation, enforcement, and legislative reform.

· Engage with external counsel, government bodies, and international legal counterparts.

· Champion innovation, inclusion, and wellbeing within the Legal Directorate.

The Successful Applicant

What We're Looking For

· Expert Legal Leader: Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent with deep knowledge of financial regulation and public law.

· Strategic Advisor: Proven ability to advise at Board and Executive level on complex, high-profile issues.

· Transformational Leader: Experience managing large, diverse legal teams and driving organisational change.

· Risk Navigator: Exceptional judgment and integrity in managing legal and reputational risks.

· Influencer: Skilled at building relationships with senior stakeholders, government bodies, and international counterparts.

· Inclusive Innovator: Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

· Global Perspective: Understanding of UK and international legal frameworks, with experience in cross-border coordination desirable.

What's on Offer

The Bank of England offers a generous package in addition to the basic salary

• Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
• 26 days' annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.
• Typically 2/3 days in the office and flexible working encouraged

Please note that Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security and conflict checks in accordance with the Bank policy.