Legal Counsel - 9 month FTC

SThree plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Bonus linked to performance

Private healthcare

Job summary

SThree plc is seeking a commercially minded Legal Counsel for a 9‑month fixed‑term role in London. You will lead technology and commercial vendor agreements, advise across procurement, privacy, IP and data protection, and work with multiple business functions in a fast‑paced international environment.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Group & Head of Data Privacy, you will own a broad range of matters and help drive pragmatic legal solutions while managing risk.

Qualifications

• 4+ years PQE in commercial and technology law.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Knowledge of UK/EU data protection laws.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial and technology agreements.
• Lead legal negotiations with suppliers and technology vendors.
• Advise on contractual risk and commercial implications for stakeholders.
• Support procurement, onboarding and risk assessment processes.

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

We're looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Group Legal team on a 9-month fixed-term basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a global business, providing expert legal support across technology, commercial contracts, data privacy, and intellectual property matters.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Group & Head of Data Privacy, you'll act as the lead legal adviser on technology and commercial vendor agreements, supporting key business stakeholders and helping drive commercially focused legal solutions in a fast-paced, international environment.

About us

SThree is the global STEM workforce consultancy, fusing ambition, expertise and technology. We advise businesses, build expert teams and deliver project solutions, to outpace tomorrow, together.

We’ve been in STEM for 40 years– a global team with local expertise across specialist sectors in Engineering, Life Sciences and Technology.

We aspire to be the game-changers in STEM. We are all in, we build partnerships, we think big, and we do the right thing. We bring skilled people together, whatever the speed, scale and scope of the ambitions, to build the future.

The Role

As Legal Counsel, you'll take ownership of a broad range of technology and commercial legal matters, managing work from initial instruction through to negotiation and completion. You'll partner closely with teams across Procurement, Technology, Privacy, Information Security, HR, Finance, Marketing and Operations, providing pragmatic legal advice that enables business growth while effectively managing risk.

This role offers significant exposure to strategic projects, emerging technology issues, data privacy matters and intellectual property management, making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer seeking a varied and impactful in-house position.

What you’ll be doing

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial and technology agreements
• Lead legal negotiations with suppliers and technology vendors.
• Advise stakeholders on contractual risk and commercial implications.
• Support vendor procurement, onboarding and risk assessment processes.
• Develop and improve legal templates and contracting frameworks.

Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance

• Provide practical advice on UK and EU data protection laws and requirements.
• Review and negotiate Data Processing Agreements (DPAs).
• Advise on international data transfer arrangements.
• Support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and governance initiatives.
• Work closely with the Data Privacy team, external DPO providers and key business stakeholders.
• Assist with incident response activities when required.
• Support the protection and management of the Group's IP portfolio.
• Advise on IP ownership, licensing and protection strategies.
• Provide guidance on open-source software and third-party licensing considerations.
• Manage relationships with external trademark and IP counsel as required.

Business Partnering & Legal Advisory

• Advise senior stakeholders on legal, commercial and regulatory risks.
• Provide practical, solution-focused legal guidance across multiple business functions.
• Support strategic projects, business initiatives and transformation programmes.
• Deliver legal awareness sessions and training where required.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting the business.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent legal qualification (England & Wales preferred).
• Approximately 4+ years PQE.
• Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Significant exposure to technology agreements and vendor negotiations.
• Working knowledge of UK and EU data protection legislation.
• Experience advising on DPAs, international transfers and privacy compliance matters.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong commercial judgement and pragmatic approach to problem solving.

What's in it for you

• Hybrid working options for flexibility.
• Bonus linked to company and personal performance.
• 28 days holiday plus public holidays, with an annual leave purchase scheme.
• Private healthcare, discounted dental insurance, and health cashback scheme.
• Paid volunteering days and caregiver leave.
• Access to retail discounts and our company share scheme.

Why Join Us?

• High-profile legal work across a global business
• Exposure to complex technology and privacy matters
• Collaborative and supportive legal team
• Opportunity to influence business decisions and strategic projects
• Flexible working aligned to our London office
• Potential for contract extension

What we stand for

We’re committed to ensuring that every colleague, candidate, and member of our community experiences fair, equitable, and respectful treatment. We strive to create an environment where everyone belongs, feels valued, and is supported to thrive. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please let us know. We’re here to help.