Solicitor, Commercial, Technology and Data, VP

Role Summary

We are seeking a mid-level English law qualified solicitor to join the Commercial, Technology & Data Legal Team.

The role will support the business across a broad range of commercial contracting, technology and data protection matters, with increasing exposure to AI governance and data driven initiatives and will work closely with the UK Data Protection Officer (DPO) supporting UK Data Protection Office work.

This is a hands-on, business facing role, suited to a solicitor who is comfortable managing matters independently with appropriate supervision, while contributing collaboratively within a growing specialist legal team.

Solicitor, Commercial Contracts and Data Protection

Summary of the key objectives and primary goals:

1. Commercial Contracting

Provision of legal advice, guidance and support to, and identification and analysis of legal and commercial issues for, principally the support units within the SG London perimeter and also the business units in relation to legal matters which fall outside of the remit of the BU support lawyers and other Group function teams.  In particular to support UK Sourcing in relation to the review, drafting and negotiation of all outsourcing and commercial contracts, and the development of relevant template contracts, legal updates, training and self-help guides where appropriate.

To deliver the above objectives, the role will be responsible for:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of commercial contracts, including:
  • General commercial supplier and customer agreements
  • Professional services and consultancy agreements
  • Framework agreements, statements of work and amendments
• Managing contracts across the low to high value spectrum, applying a risk‑based and proportionate approach.
• Providing clear, commercially pragmatic advice to business stakeholders.

2. Technology & IT Contracts

• Advise on and negotiate technology‑related agreements, including:
  • Software and SaaS agreements
  • IT services and technology‑enabled commercial arrangements
• Identify and manage legal risk relating to technology, outsourcing and digital service delivery.

3. Data Protection & Privacy

• Support the UK DPO in delivering the organisation’s data protection and privacy compliance framework, including:
  • Drafting and negotiating data processing and data sharing agreements, and data protection provisions of commercial contracts
  • Advising on controller/processor roles and allocation of responsibilities
  • Responding to DSARs, assisting with regulatory enquiries and internal data protection initiatives.
  • Assisting with the investigation, assessment, and maintenance of a log of personal data breaches
  • Assisting to maintain data processing records for SG UK entities (DPRs)
  • Assisting BU and SU stakeholders to complete Data Protection Impact Assessments
  • Supporting international data transfer arrangements (e.g. IDTAs, TRAs)
  • Assisting with Group reporting and data protection risk assessments, such as RAMOS and DataGo
  • Helping monitor compliance with internal data protection policies and procedures, including helping to develop and deliver training to internal stakeholders.

·        Draft template legal documentation, policies, procedures and guidance notes relating to Data Protection.

• Track regulatory and guidance developments relevant to data protection and summarise key points for the Team.

4. AI Governance & Emerging Technologies

·        Support legal oversight of AI and data‑driven technologies, including:

o   Contractual considerations relating to use of AI tools and systems

o   Allocation of risk for AI outputs and data usage

o   Supporting implementation of internal AI governance and acceptable use frameworks

• Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and support internal guidance.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• English law‑qualified solicitor.
• Mid‑level PQE, gained in private practice, in‑house, or a combination of both.
• Strong experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Practical working knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection law in a commercial context.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic, business‑focused advice.

Desirable

• Experience advising on technology or IT‑related contracts.
• Exposure to AI‑related legal or governance issues, or a strong interest in this area.
• In‑house experience within a regulated or complex organisation.

Personal Attributes

• Commercial, pragmatic and solutions‑focused, with a proactive approach to risk and problem‑solving.
• Confident managing matters independently with appropriate supervision and escalation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish credibility quickly with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player, willing to support team development and knowledge‑sharing.
• Maintains high professional standards with strong attention to detail, organisation and time management.
• Keeps abreast of legal and regulatory developments in contract, data protection and AI, and assesses their impact on the business.

In addition, Vice Presidents are expected to demonstrate the following skills:

·        Identifies, analyses and solves/addresses difficult legal issues and risks within area of coverage, demonstrating appropriate level of attention to detail

·        Works with limited amount of supervision but will seek guidance if necessary, evaluating and escalating issues to hierarchy as appropriate

·        Able to manage multiple tasks and files, managing time and resources efficiently to meet deadlines

·        Able, if requested, to perform role of coordinator on projects or work streams

·        Takes responsibility for handling business partners’ legal issues and answering their concerns efficiently; provides clear and concrete solutions, alternatives and fall back positions where appropriate

·        Demonstrates good knowledge of banking industry

·        Contributes to promoting team spirit within area of coverage and takes initiative to this end, including sharing knowledge with members of legal department

·        Is recognised as consistent and reliable and shows strong sense of personal accountability in discharging duties

·        Demonstrates a strong sense of engagement to role and takes initiative to resolve issues

Demonstrates openness to innovation and ability to support and apply new ways of proceeding; is also able to suggest, where appropriate, improvements for systems and processes.

People join for the impact they can have on us. They stay for the impact we have on them. A flatter structure offers visibility and exposure beyond that of our competitors, so you know our names, and we know yours. It's personable, human, and inspires success through passion. By encouraging open mindedness and a willingness to share ideas, we have adapted to market changes and thrived through innovation. Bringing words like “hard work” and “dedication” together with “community” and “respect” has enabled us to work collaboratively and build our future together. We call this Team Spirit and it's what makes us different. It's what makes you different.

If you feel you have the required experience and qualifications, then please apply to the SG Resourcing Team, and we will manage your application. At Société Générale, we believe our people are our strength and are core to the success of our business. As such, we search for, recruit and appoint the best available person on the basis of aptitude and ability, regardless of sex, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, pregnancy, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or gender identity.