UK Commercial Counsel Public Sector

About the role

You will own the full legal lifecycle for Elastic's Public Sector contracts in the United Kingdom, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. You will act as the primary legal partner to Sales, RFP, and procurement teams during live bid processes and framework call-offs. You will draft, negotiate, and manage Cloud, SaaS, Software Subscription, Professional Services, and Data Processing Agreements from inception through execution. You will engage directly with Elastic's UK Legal Director and Security Controller to align contract terms with security and compliance obligations. You will proactively monitor legal and regulatory changes and translate their impact into practical business advice. You will leverage AI tools and automation to streamline workflows and strengthen collaboration across Legal, Finance, and Compliance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide end-to-end legal support for Elastic's Public Sector contracts, covering Cloud and SaaS agreements, subscription terms, and associated schedules.
• Advise on compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and relevant data protection obligations in technology transactions.
• Support bid and procurement teams by reviewing ITT and RFP documentation and drafting legally robust responses.
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions with contracting authorities while protecting Elastic's commercial and legal interests.
• Coordinate closely with Elastic's UK Legal Director based in France and the Security Controller based in the United Kingdom.
• Liaise with the wider Legal team across the USA, EMEA, and APJ to ensure alignment on cross-jurisdictional matters.
• Contribute to the development of legal workflows and governance frameworks that improve dealmaking and compliance efficiency.
• Keep abreast of public sector procurement law, public law principles, and emerging regulatory trends affecting cloud services.
• Advise on Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, and NCSC guidance as they relate to contract deliverables.
• Build and refine processes between Legal and other departments, including finance and compliance, using automation where appropriate.
• Manage contract lifecycle activities from early-stage drafting through execution, renewal, and ongoing administration.
• Provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders on implementing contractual obligations in day-to-day operations.

Requirements

• You are qualified and legally permitted to practice law in the United Kingdom.
• You hold 4+ years of experience in drafting and negotiating technology contracts with Public Sector customers.
• You have a strong working knowledge of public procurement law, public law principles, and contract law.
• You understand cyber and information security obligations in technology contracts.
• You are familiar with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification requirements.
• You have experience with ISO 27001 compliance and alignment with NCSC guidance.
• You have demonstrated ability to balance legal risks with business strategy.
• You are able to independently manage your time in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• You can handle ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities with flexibility, patience, and professionalism.
• You have prior experience managing technology contracts for public sector entities, either in-house or with a central government department, local authority, or regulated public sector organisation.
• You have experience and knowledge of relevant legal systems in key regions such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Germany.
• You are comfortable engaging credibly with technical and security teams.

Nice to have

• A proven track record of balancing multiple projects and recalibrating advice in response to shifting priorities and legal developments.
• Experience with, or a strong working knowledge of, complex software licensing and subscription models.
• Experience supporting technology transactions for public sector organisations outside the United Kingdom.
• Familiarity with AI tools and automation opportunities within legal and compliance workflows.
• Exposure to professional services agreements and implementation-related contracts in the technology sector.
• Knowledge of global contract management practices across EMEA and APJ regions.

Practical notes

• This is a UK-based role requiring eligibility to work in the United Kingdom without sponsorship.
• The engagement terms referenced in the key facts section will be confirmed during the application process.
• Applicants must meet the hard requirements outlined in the requirements section to be considered.
• The role involves frequent interaction with internal stakeholders across multiple time zones.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate flexibility, ownership, and a collaborative mindset.