Senior Legal Counsel
Location: London, Leeds
Type: Permanent, full time
Hybrid role, happy to talk flexible working
The Opportunity
QBE European Operations are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Legal Counsel to provide high level support in our corporate legal team. Working alongside existing Legal Counsel and Head of Legal, Corporate, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in providing legal advice and support on various corporate initiatives, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.
We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
Your new role
Legal Support
Provide legal advice on all aspects of corporate matters to business functions including Corporate Development, Capital Management, Compliance, Finance and Treasury.
Work with Chief Legal Officer, Head of Legal, Corporate, existing Legal Counsel and Group colleagues to manage and deliver M&A, capital, finance, group (re)structuring/(re)organisation and treasury projects.
Review and advise on a variety of other legal contracts and other legal obligations of QBE International companies, both on strategic/project basis and on ad-hoc/single issue basis as required to identify any risk to the business and recommend effective solutions.
Develop templates, guides, and toolkits to streamline legal support.
Risk Management
Identify and assess legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies, be able to act on own initiative, negotiate directly with third parties and to recognise when to seek guidance from senior colleagues.
Support internal governance processes to manage legal risks, make recommendations for improvements to existing processes and controls where identified, to implement changes that will enhance effectiveness and meet best practice.
A knowledge of ESG principles and hands on experience applying them across corporate operations, underwriting and investments to help QBE deliver on its sustainability commitments.
An understanding of global sanctions regimes and preferably practical experience in advising on sanctions compliance in the financial services context.
Stakeholder Engagement
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to understand legal needs, be someone who can be entrusted to liaise with the business and build and maintain relationships and strategic awareness to assist in the on-going development of the QBE International Legal Team and its promotion within QBE as a valuable resource to the business.
Collaborate and manage spend with external counsel and advisors when required.
Provide training and guidance on legal and regulatory updates with relevance to the business.
About you
Bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or equivalent; LLM or other relevant qualifications advantageous.
Qualified to practise law in the relevant jurisdiction.
Minimum 7 years’ PQE of relevant experience in a similar role, ideally in-house or within a corporate legal team.
Understanding of corporate governance, corporate/commercial law, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent drafting, negotiation, research and communication skills.
Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Project experience and/or exposure to project management.
Practical and commercial awareness.
Experience in financial services or insurance sectors.
Knowledge and competent understanding of UK/EU company law, competition law, sanctions and data protection regulations.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
To learn more about benefits of working with us, click Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025:
Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance
AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year
Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer
To learn more about our achievements, click here
Apply now and let’s make it happen!
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.
Your career. At the heart of it.
Skills:
Coaching for success, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Critical Thinking, Influencing, Intentional collaboration, Legal Consulting, Legal Risk, Litigation Management, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Process Improvements, Regulatory Compliance, Stakeholder Management, Strategic ThinkingHow to Apply:
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.