International Legal Counsel

About the role

Multiverse is on the lookout for an International Legal Counsel to join its team, focusing on the company's growth in both the UK and Germany. This newly created position is pivotal for establishing a robust in-house legal framework that caters specifically to the unique demands of the German market while also providing commercial legal support for operations in the UK. The selected candidate will work closely with the General Counsel, ensuring that legal strategies align with business objectives across both regions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the main legal advisor for German subsidiaries, including StackFuel GmbH, addressing various legal matters such as commercial, employment, and corporate law.
• Oversee the complete commercial contracting process for Germany, which includes drafting and negotiating agreements for B2B, B2C, and B2G transactions to support business growth.
• Provide actionable insights on compliance with German regulations, particularly those related to vocational training (AZAV).
• Support post-acquisition processes for European mergers and acquisitions, focusing on contract integration, governance alignment, and standardizing compliance measures.
• Offer expert guidance on German employment law, including interactions with works councils and the structuring of equity plans.
• Manage relationships with external legal firms in Germany to ensure efficient and cost-effective legal support.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts in the UK that pertain to technology, data, and partnerships, ensuring seamless legal integration between UK and German operations.
• Collaborate with various departments to align legal strategies with business goals, fostering a proactive legal culture within the organization.
• Stay updated on changes in both German and UK legal landscapes to provide timely advice and risk assessments.
• Engage in training and development initiatives to enhance the legal team's capabilities and knowledge base.
• Contribute to the development of internal policies and procedures that promote compliance and mitigate legal risks.
• Participate in cross-border projects, ensuring that legal considerations are integrated into business strategies and operations.

Requirements

• Must hold a legal qualification in Germany.
• Strong familiarity with the German legal market and experience in the UK legal context, whether in-house, at an international firm, or in a UK-based role.
• Proficient in both German and English, with the ability to draft and negotiate legal documents in both languages.
• Proven track record in managing a variety of commercial contracts and navigating regulatory issues.
• Excellent analytical skills with a keen attention to detail, enabling effective problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience in mergers and acquisitions or post-closing integration processes.
• Background in German employment law, particularly regarding works councils or employee incentive plans.
• Previous experience working in-house, especially within the technology or education technology sectors.
• Understanding of UK commercial legal frameworks and practices.
• Familiarity with data protection laws and regulations, particularly GDPR.

Skills & tools

• Ability to provide concise, actionable legal advice to business leaders, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset, capable of working across diverse cultures, time zones, and departments.
• Interest in the intersection of technology and law, particularly how advancements in AI are reshaping the legal profession.
• Commitment to contributing to a mission-driven organization focused on social impact and educational equity.

Practical notes

The role comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including 27 days of annual leave, plus an additional 5 days for life events, volunteering, and wellness activities, in addition to 8 public holidays. Health and wellness benefits include private medical insurance, a medical cashback scheme, life insurance, gym memberships, and mental health support services. The position operates on a hybrid work model, requiring three days in the office each week, along with a work-from-anywhere policy allowing for up to 10 days annually. Multiverse is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. All successful candidates will undergo a Basic Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, with an Enhanced DBS check mandated for positions involving Regulated Activity.