Senior Legal Counsel - Grade 5

ABOUT ONESAVINGS BANK PLC:

One Savings Bank plc floated on the London Stock Exchange main market on 5 June 2014.  The Group, which is headquartered in Chatham, Kent, is a specialist lending and retail savings group serving the UK, Jersey and Guernsey, and is authorised by the PRA, part of the Bank of England, and regulated by the FCA.

The Group focuses its specialist lending activities on selected sub-sectors of the lending market in which it has an established presence and expertise. The Group’s specialist segments include Residential and Buy-to-Let/SME Mortgages. The Group’s other specialist segment is Personal Loans. The Group originates almost all of its organic lending through specialist intermediaries.  One Savings Bank lends through the Kent Reliance and associated Channel Islands brands, InterBay Commercial, Prestige Finance and Reliance Property Loans brands.

The Group is predominantly funded by retail savings originated through online and direct channels, as well as through a Kent Reliance branded network of six branches and three third party-operated agencies in the South East of England. The majority of the Group’s administrative support functions are performed by its wholly owned operations in Bangalore, India.

JOB PURPOSE:

To support the business in terms of advising in relation to retail banking law, lending and savings products and regulatory issues across the Group, as well as ensuring that the legal team provides appropriate and timely support to the business operations.

The role offers a varied workload to include retail banking including Consumer Credit, projects, financial promotions, products and distribution, mobile and digital banking, new banking platforms, integration and implementation, and the interpretation of legislation and policies as well as business as usual customer facing documents, such as terms and conditions and security documentation.

This is a hands-on role requiring good technical knowledge with a wider commercial awareness.  An understanding of legal risk, exposure to consumer credit, payments services, mortgages and retail banking is desirable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Dealing directly with the business in relation to mortgage lending and savings legal and administration based enquiries and assisting the business to set up policies and procedures in line with Financial Services Regulations for the operational areas of the business;
• Proactively identifying and reactively troubleshooting legal-related issues, processes and policies within the front-line of the business and working closely with the business to implement practical and legally compliant solutions.
• Assisting the business with all aspects of securitisation of mortgage assets and related servicing arrangements.
• Working closely with the Compliance Team to monitor and report on changes in legislation that impact upon the business so a proactive advisory strategy can be pursued and required changes anticipated, monitored and tracked well in advance of implementation;
• Providing advice and support to the marketing team on financial promotions and other marketing literature, including website content and social media.
• Engaging with and representing the bank at trade forums including the BBA and CML;
• Overseeing the day-to-day work of the Assistant Legal Counsel (Business Operations) including their work on all of the bullet points above and ensuring their work is of a sufficient standard, delivered in line with the needs of the business, and that related SLAs are met;
• Line manage and coach all direct reports, including all aspects of performance management, development, conduct, sickness management, appraisals, employee administration and recruitment.
• Working as a member of a lean legal and compliance team, establishing yourself as a trusted advisor to the business;
• Liaising with external legal providers in relation to a variety of areas of banking law;
• Providing general support and assistance to the legal and company secretarial team across a broad spectrum of issues as and when they arise;
• Maintain the company’s compliance standards and own compliance training.

EXPERIENCE: 

• 5 years’ experience as a qualified lawyer in the real estate market or within retail banking (banking, conveyancing or real estate finance) is essential.
• Experience may be gained in either private practice or an in-house legal environment or a combination of the two, but in-house experience in a financial services institution, especially a retail bank, is highly desirable.
• 12m previous line management experience is essential

KNOWLEDGE:

• Robust  knowledge of FCA Regulation and CCA regime and their application to a retail bank is essential
• Excellent written and drafting skills are essential
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Word and Excel is essential

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with at least 5 years’ PQE (essential)

CORE BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Working with Others – Working cooperatively and respectfully with others in a wide range of situations. Exhibiting personal behaviours that are in-line with our Values.  Also encompasses work with internal and external customers.
• Leading Self and Others – Taking control and showing leadership.  Initiating action and taking ownership.
• Communication – Communicating and networking effectively. Persuading and influencing others.  Relating to a wide range of people in a confident and relaxed manner.
• Drive for Performance – Strong focus on results and objectives. Understands business drivers. Continuous effort to develop capability.
• Organisation and Execution – Creating plans and working in an organised way. Following direction, procedures and standards.
• Analysis and Interpretation – Concerns clear and analytical thinking; getting to the heart of complex issues.  Applying expertise and using technology to support analysis and interpretation.
• Adaptability and Resilience – Adapting and responding positively to change. Managing own emotions and energy and dealing effectively with setbacks.

This job description defines the role as it exists now. It is not meant to represent an exclusive description of the job holder’s responsibilities as these may vary from time to time in line with the needs of the business. This role may change and evolve over time and any changes will be communicated as necessary.