Senior Legal Counsel (Technology)

Tesco UK; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Welwyn Garden City is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel (Technology) to provide expert legal advice on complex technology transactions including AI and SaaS agreements. The role involves supporting various technology projects, acting as a trusted advisor, and helping to shape legal strategy. Ideal candidates are qualified solicitors with strong experience in technology law and a passion for innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience specialising in technology law and technology transactions.
• Strong enthusiasm for technology and AI.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate technology agreements.

Responsibilities

• Support technology deployment across strategic channels.
• Act as a trusted advisor for high-risk projects.
• Update legal templates for regulatory developments.

Skills

Technology law

SaaS agreements

Negotiation skills

Commercial contracts

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Overview

As Senior Legal Counsel (Technology), you will support Tesco’s evolving technology landscape by providing expert legal advice on complex technology transactions, including AI, robotics and automation, and SaaS and cloud agreements. Acting as a trusted partner to our Technology teams, you’ll play a key role in enabling innovation across the business while contributing to the Tesco Legal team’s transformation and continuous improvement journey.

Responsibilities

• Supporting Tesco in its deployment of Technology across all strategic channels – leading and negotiating a broad range of critical cross-functional projects including:
  • a broad range of AI and machine learning capabilities, such as strategic partnerships with LLMs, data sharing arrangements for personalisation, computer vision for check-out or to enhance security, or deep learning category management tools;
  • ongoing digital transformations within our payments ecosystem;
  • design and installation of multi-million-pound distribution solutions at new sites;
  • leading the commercial legal support for Tesco’s automation solution divisions, Transcend, which provides fulfilment solutions into the Grocery market.
• Acting as a trusted advisor and key business partner to our Technology team (including senior leadership) for high-risk projects, supporting business objectives and enhancing competitiveness.
• Supporting the Heads of Legal in building centres of expertise for Technology and AI, including shaping the strategy and governance for the responsible development and procurement of AI.
• Conducting horizon scanning and updating legal templates to proactively anticipate legal and regulatory developments, providing timely input and training where needed.
• Managing external counsel on occasion, ensuring advice is appropriately scoped, cost-effective, and commercially focused.
• Contributing to the Tesco Legal team’s transformation journey, fostering continuous improvement and innovation.
• Providing coaching and guidance to more junior members of the team to support their development.

Qualifications

• A qualified solicitor with experience specialising in technology law and technology transactions
• A strong enthusiasm for technology, AI, and innovation, with broad commercial contracts
• Proven ability to independently draft and negotiate SaaS, IT licensing, and cloud agreements.
• A customer-focused, solutions-oriented, and pragmatic approach, with strong commercial acumen.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with experienced internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal concepts and positively influence business decisions.

We welcome conversations about flexible working and encourage applicants who may not meet every criterion. If you need support with your application, please contact us for more information. We are an accredited Disability Confident Leader and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.