Head of Legal

Location: Cornwall or Cheltenham (Hybrid)Part-Time 3 Days/Week, with one day in either office. Reporting to: Chief Executive OfficerAn established and growing financial services business is seeking a highly capable Head of Legal.The company is a UK-based marketplace lender, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cornwall, specialising in providing secured loans to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. It connects investors with businesses needing capital, offering interest-only, property-secured loans typically starting from £100,000 with conservative loan-to-value ratios, while investors receive fixed-rate returns. Known for its relationship-led, human approach, the firm focuses on supporting regional and underserved economies and has grown from a local challenger into a nationally recognised alternative lender. Having now facilitated more than £700 million in lending, it has reported record turnover and multiple consecutive years of profitability, strengthening its position in the UK’s non-bank lending landscape. The firm currently has 40 staff.The OpportunityThis role offers the chance to build and embed a best-in-class legal function, acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership team. The successful candidate will combine legal expertise with a pragmatic, commercial mindset and a strong understanding of UK financial regulation.Key Responsibilities:Review, draft, and negotiate commercial contracts, maintaining a comprehensive contracts database.Maintain up-to-date investor terms and conditions.Review and update borrower loan contracts, security documents, and offer letters.Provide legal advice to the Board, internal committees, and key stakeholders.Support onboarding of third-party partners (law firms, valuers, brokers), ensuring terms of engagement and PI cover remain current.Support loan completions and redemptions.Manage legal aspects of the loan book in collaboration with the portfolio team, including working with external legal counsel.Contribute legal and practical input to strengthen internal loan, credit, and operational processes.Support legal aspects of new product development and commercial initiatives.Provide legal support to HR where required.Ensure the business meets FCA and other relevant financial legal standards.Oversee policies and processes relating to data protection, GDPR, and legal data handling obligations.Skills & Experience RequiredExperience in a senior legal role.Relevant legal qualifications.Understanding of the peer-to-peer lending model (desirable).Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong commercial and financial awareness.Ability to work collaboratively across teams and provide pragmatic, business-focused advice.

Created: 2025-12-11