Legal Director

Planet; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is seeking an experienced Legal Director to manage commercial and regulatory legal matters within the FinTech sector. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of post-qualification experience, proficient negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of payments and financial services. This role involves drafting and reviewing agreements, advising on regulatory issues, and supporting M&A activities. Join a diverse team in a hybrid work environment and advance your career in a fast-paced market.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• 6+ years PQE in an in-house legal department or leading law firm.
• Deep expertise in payments and financial services.
• Proficient in English and beneficial to know additional languages.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements related to payments.
• Advise on regulatory matters impacting payment services.
• Support M&A activity through legal evaluation and integration.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Legal expertise in payments

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Qualified lawyer in relevant jurisdictions

Job description

About Us:

Planet is a leading technology company transforming payments by putting customer experience first. We offer integrated solutions that include payment processing, VAT refunds, dynamic currency conversion, and management services for merchants in the Retail and Hospitality sectors worldwide.

In recent years, we have experienced significant growth, expanding our services and global presence.

With strong private equity investors, Advent International and Eurazeo, we have the financial capital and expertise to grow our capabilities and reach through acquisitions.

Our mission is to create a world of connected commerce where payments are simple, secure, and seamless, enabling our partners to deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.

Role Overview:

Planet is seeking an experienced legal director with a strong background across a range of commercial and regulatory legal matters within FinTech, financial services sectors and/or software sectors. Reporting directly to the Deputy General Counsel of the Legal, Risk & Compliance Team (LRC), the successful candidate will join a team of lawyers and risk and compliance professionals by providing practical, solutions–orientated advice to deliver on Planet’s strategic, business, and financial goals whilst meeting its regulatory, statutory, and legislative obligations.

What you will do:

• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements including those involving the provision of acquiring, gateway, terminal and other value‑added payment, tax refund and integrated software services

• Review and support responses to business proposals/tenders/RFPs

• Resolve legal issues and contract interpretation matters that arise during negotiations and during the customer lifecycle with a focus on balanced, win‑win solutions

• Produce and/or maintain various standard agreements. Develop playbooks and standard contractual provisions to further and enhance the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of commercial agreements

• Analyse and advise on regulatory matters that relate and/or arise out of the payment and software products and services offered by Planet such as PSD2+, payment services regulations in the UK, France and broader EEA, AML/CT regulations, GDPR, tax refund regimes, and retail financial services

• Advise and deliver on special, growth projects including new product developments and geographical expansions, taking into consideration their legal and regulatory impact

• Support M&A activity inclusive of performing due diligence on target companies, evaluating risks and opportunities of the target from a legal and regulatory perspective, and integrating the target into the commercial and legal operations into Planet’s Legal, Risk & Compliance organization

• Keep fully conversant with the new and emerging product lines developed by Planet and with the wider payments and software innovation ecosystem

• Horizon scan and delivery strategic counsel on evolving payments and regulatory developments and their potential impact on the business and Planet’s overall strategy

• Identify, communicate, and ensure all legal risks are within appetite. If necessary, elevate legal risks together with appropriate recommendations and mitigations

• Support internal and external regulatory examinations and audit reviews

Who you are:

• 6+ years PQE of industry experience in an in‑house legal department and/or leading law firm. Lawyers qualified in Spain, England and Wales, Ireland, France or Germany preferred

• Have a deep expertise in payments, financial services, tax free and/or property management

• Demonstrate a keen, working understanding of the legal issues affecting the payments industry, including AML/CTF, data protection/security, safeguarding, funds flows, and transactional reporting to regulators

• Strong transactional experience leading contract negotiations in relation to (as many of the following as possible): direct acquiring; indirect acquiring with sponsoring banks, payment processing, gateway services, and multi‑currency pricing solutions for a payment services provider (or equivalent), FinTech, e‑money institution and/or financial institution; property management software

• A business‑first mind‑set with a drive to find solutions that allow business and market share growth in a prudent and long‑term‑oriented approach

• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills

• Passion for simplification and efficiency/process improvement

• A high degree of discretion and the ability to work with sensitive and confidential data

• Able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, tackle ad‑hoc projects as they arise/are assigned, and successfully manage multiple deadlines.

• Be proficient in English, our main working language. Additional languages including French, German and Spanish in particular, are a plus.

Why Planet:

Planet is an equal opportunity employer where diversity is valued, and all employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Come and grow your career in the most exciting, fast paced technology market, with a business that delivers feel‑good connected commerce. We would love to hear from you – Apply now.

At Planet, we embrace a hybrid work model, with three days a week in the office.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to allow for an individual to perform the essential functions of this role successfully.