Head of Structured Products Automation

Unlocking Legal Innovation: Head of Structured Products Automation Opportunity in London

This pivotal role, Head of Structured Products Automation, presents an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to significantly shape the future of structured products within a leading financial institution. Based in London, this full-time permanent position offers a unique blend of legal advisory, strategic development, and the exciting challenge of driving automation in a dynamic Markets division.

At its core, this role is about safeguarding the business by providing expert legal counsel and support to various business units within the Markets division, specifically focusing on the intricate world of structured products. You will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, thereby managing and mitigating legal risk effectively.

Advantages for Ambitious Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This is more than just legal advice; it's about contributing to strategy, driving change, and making impactful recommendations for improvement. Your insights will directly influence how structured products are developed and managed.
• Automation Leadership: If you have a passion for legal technology and innovation, this role offers the chance to be at the forefront of automating structured products documentation and processes. This is a career-defining opportunity to leave a lasting mark on efficiency and best practice.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including front office colleagues, business managers, and legal and business teams across departments like Treasury and Wealth. This broad exposure fosters a comprehensive understanding of the business and enhances your influence.
• Global Reach & Influence: Regular engagement with regulatory authorities and collaboration with external law firms will broaden your professional network and provide exposure to international legal landscapes.
• Deep Subject Matter Expertise: This role is ideal for a true Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Structured Products, particularly those with a focus on products sold to retail investors. You'll have the opportunity to further hone and leverage this expertise.
• Career Development: The role emphasizes continuous improvement and offers avenues for both individual contribution as a technical leader and, potentially, team leadership. You'll be guiding technical direction, leading complex assignments, and mentoring less experienced colleagues.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Legal Foundation: A strong background as a qualified lawyer is essential, ideally with experience in top-tier private practice and prior in-house experience at a leading financial institution, particularly within a Markets Division.
• Structured Products Acumen: Demonstrable and extensive experience in Structured Products, especially those targeting retail investors, is critical. This includes a proven ability to draft complex documentation such as Base Prospectuses and Final Terms.
• Automation Experience: A background in legal automation is highly valued, indicating an understanding of how technology can enhance legal processes.
• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and multi-dimensional environment is crucial. This role demands agility and the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commercial Drive: A strong commercial acumen, coupled with a keen interest in performance drivers and a passion for continuous improvement, will be key to success. You should be motivated by achieving business objectives through efficient and effective legal solutions.
• Communication Prowess: You must possess excellent communication skills, capable of translating highly technical legal concepts into clear, concise advice for both legal and non-legal audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Language Skills (Beneficial): Proficiency in French, Italian, or German would be an advantage, opening up further opportunities for international engagement.

Candidates will be assessed on critical skills such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen, strategic thinking, and digital and technology proficiency, alongside their core legal expertise. If you are a forward-thinking legal professional eager to drive innovation and make a tangible impact in the structured products space, this opportunity is designed for you.