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Chesnara is a European life and pensions consolidator listed on the London Stock Exchange. It administers approximately one million policies and operates as Countrywide Assured in the UK, as The Waard Group and Scildon in the Netherlands, and as Movestic in Sweden.
Following a three pillar strategy, Chesnara’s primary responsibility is the efficient administration of its customers’ life and savings policies, ensuring good customer outcomes and providing a secure and compliant environment to protect policyholders interests. It also adds value by writing profitable new business in focused areas and by undertaking value-adding acquisitions of either companies or portfolios.
Chesnara is a dynamic organisation with a strong focus on executing strategic M&A. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute General Counsel with expertise in M&A to join our Group leadership team reporting directly to the Group CEO.
Role Overview
As Group General Counsel, you will act as the chief legal adviser to the organisation and plc board, overseeing all legal related matters with a particular emphasis on M&A transactions. You will play a critical role in supporting the company’s growth strategy while ensuring robust compliance and risk management frameworks are maintained.
We have offices in central London, Preston, Bristol, Amsterdam and Stockholm. Homeworking is also an option if your home location is not close to our current locations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, structure, and negotiate M&A transactions, including acquisitions and strategic partnerships.
* Provide counsel to the board of directors and executive team on strategic areas, legal risk and other pertinent matters.
* Draft, review, and manage transactional documents, including outsourcing agreements and general commercial contracts.
* Oversee legal and compliance due diligence processes and liaise with external counsel, consultants, and advisers.
* Support our compliance with all regulatory requirements in jurisdictions where the company operates.
* Manage and develop the in-house legal team, providing mentorship and forward-thinking leadership.
* Monitor changes in legislation and provide proactive advice to the business and plc board.
Key Requirements
* Qualified solicitor with a current practicing certificate (or equivalent international qualification).
* Substantial experience on M&A transactions.
* Experience of Life and Pensions/FS sector is desirable.
* Strong expertise in corporate law including listing rules, due diligence, contract negotiation, and transaction management.
* Proven ability to lead key parts of or all complex transactions in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise at a senior level.
* Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work well in teams, get sleeves rolled up and take ownership of opportunities and issues and run with them.
What We Offer
* Opportunity to shape the legal strategy of a fast-growing organisation.
* A dynamic and supportive work environment.
* Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
What We Are Looking For
At Chesnara, we value leaders who take ownership, think ahead and act with integrity. Our Group General Counsel plays a key role in shaping our legal strategy while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Specifically, we are looking for a General Counsel who:
* Promotes a culture of integrity and compliance throughout the organisation;
* Maintains confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information;
* Provides sound legal advice that balances risk with business objectives;
* Builds strong relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external counsel;
* Provides people-focused leadership, creating opportunities to bring on talent;
* Demonstrates adaptability in a dynamic legal and business environment;
* Is approachable and engages directly with teams at all levels to understand challenges and drive solutions together and is open to innovation;
* Acts as a true business partner, working alongside teams rather than above them to drive strategic outcomes.
How to Apply
If you are a forward-thinking legal professional with a passion for M&A and a track record of delivering results, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your experience and interest in the role to our HR Director Julie Smith (julie.smith@chesnara.co.uk)
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Legal
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