Senior Sole Counsel - Global Software and Data Privacy Lead

Clifton Search; Leeds; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Clifton Search is seeking a Senior Sole Counsel to lead and manage the legal function for a newly acquired part of a global technology group. The role is UK-based, autonomous, and will interface with the CEO and international teams.

You will shape commercial contracts, licensing, data protection, and IP strategy across borders, with a hands-on leadership style. The position requires UK qualification, senior leadership experience in a software/tech environment, and the ability to operate across

Qualifications

• UK qualified solicitor with senior/lead experience.
• Experience in a Software Tech environment.
• Experience with international contracts and contracts governed by foreign laws.
• Experience of software licensing, SaaS, IaaS, PaaS.
• Experience advising on data protection, privacy and consumer laws.
• IP portfolio management and AI/ML regulatory strategy.

Responsibilities

• Full legal responsibility across the newly acquired organisation.
• Advising, negotiating and leading on a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Lead on contracts with international customers and cross-border issues.
• Negotiate high-value agreements and manage risk in software licensing.
• Oversee privacy, data protection compliance and regulatory strategy.
• Provide strategic legal advice to leadership and CEO in a global group.

Skills

Lead experience

International contracts

Software/Tech sector

Data protection/compliance

IP portfolio management

AI/ML regulatory strategy

Hands-on / flexible

Education

UK Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Clifton Search is seeking a Senior Sole Counsel to lead and manage the legal function for a newly acquired part of a global technology group. The role is UK-based, autonomous, and will interface with the CEO and international teams.

You will shape commercial contracts, licensing, data protection, and IP strategy across borders, with a hands-on leadership style. The position requires UK qualification, senior leadership experience in a software/tech environment, and the ability to operate across