Senior Legal Counsel
Who we are
SmartSurvey is a UK-based SaaS company on a mission to help organisations listen, understand, and act through powerful, secure feedback tools. Trusted by over 600,000 users across the public and private sectors, we’re growing fast, especially in the mid-market space. We’re proud to be independently owned, security-first, and product-led, with a next-generation platform that’s transforming how teams gather insights and make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s patient experience, employee engagement, or public consultations, our tools turn feedback into impact. At SmartSurvey, we value inclusivity, trust, and curiosity and we’re building a team that reflects those values.
Role Purpose
This is a strategic and hands-on legal role designed to support SmartSurvey’s growth across commercial operations, regulatory compliance, and future acquisitions. As our Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be the go-to expert on contracts and contract management, data protection, and legal risk. You’ll also have influence in shaping our broader legal strategy, governance standards, and risk frameworks including input into board-level discussions.
You’ll collaborate closely with Sales, Product, Support, Development, and the Executive team to ensure legal clarity, reduce friction in contracting, and embed proactive risk management as we scale.
This is a high-trust role with significant impact. For the right person, there is also a clear growth path into a Head of Legal position as the business expands.
What Great Looks Like
Within 3-6 months, you will:
- Own contract lifecycle management and legal operations across SmartSurvey
- Confidently review, draft and negotiate MSAs, DPAs, variations, and supplier terms
- Embed GDPR and DPA best practices into commercial and operational workflows
- Support due diligence and contract review in any acquisition processes
- Contribute to legal strategy, governance best practice and risk management at leadership level
- Be known across the business as a responsive, clear and strategic partner
- Model SmartSurvey’s values: Own It End-to-End, Make Complexity Simple, Decide with Purpose
Role Responsibilities
- Lead legal review and negotiation of commercial contracts (customers, suppliers, partners)
- Provide practical guidance on UK/EU and US data protection and compliance (DPA, GDPR)
- Support acquisitions, due diligence and post-deal contract transitions
- Develop and maintain legal templates, playbooks, and internal knowledge base
- Advise teams on IP, licensing, public procurement and regulatory obligations
- Identify legal risks early and communicate them with clarity and solutions
- Help define and evolve company-wide legal governance, risk tolerance, and compliance frameworks
- Represent Legal perspectives in senior meetings and provide board-level input where required
Skills & Experience Must-Haves
- Qualified solicitor in England with 5+ years PQE
- Proven in-house or SaaS/technology experience in a commercial legal role
- Deep knowledge of contract law and data protection regulations (DPA, GDPR)
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
- Confident working independently and prioritising across multiple teams
- Able to translate legal complexity into actionable business guidance
- Experience supporting strategic partnerships, such as reviewing and negotiating partnership agreements, reseller terms, or joint IP arrangements
Experience we’d love to see
- M&A due diligence and contract novation experience
- Knowledge of legal frameworks in the EU and US, particularly in relation to acquisitions, data protection, or commercial contracts
- Familiarity with public sector procurement frameworks or regulated industries
- Strong cross-functional collaboration in a scaling business
- AI enthusiasm, we're looking for someone who’s passionate about cutting edge AI tools, excited by new technology, and proactive in finding ways to streamline processes through automation, SaaS solutions through collaboration and integrations.
SmartSurvey Values in Action
Make the Mission Matter: You simplify the path to trusted insights through legally sound decisions
Own It End-to-End: You take initiative, solve issues fast, and follow through
Lift as You Lead: You share knowledge and empower colleagues across the business
Clear, Kind, and Candid: You give honest guidance, framed with empathy
Growth & Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal function at a pivotal growth stage. You’ll have visibility at the highest levels, contribute to strategic decisions, and explore legal tech and innovation in your practice. We’ll support your development with L&D opportunities, regular coaching and a collaborative team culture. For the right candidate, this role could evolve into Head of Legal as the business grows. We also offer equity and performance-based rewards to recognise your impact.
Location: Remote - However, you may be required to attend team meetings occasionally. You must have a suitable space to work from at home and a reliable internet connection.
Salary: £80k
🤝 Inclusion at SmartSurvey
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. You don’t need a university degree, just relevant experience, a clear design craft, and a growth mindset. We’re committed to an inclusive hiring process and happy to discuss adjustments, flexible working, or support at any stage.
Click here to read more about our Benefits and Perks
If you are a recruiter or agency looking to work with SmartSurvey, please reach out via email at peoplequeries@smartsurvey.co.uk.
- Department
- Operations
- Locations
- United Kingdom
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
About SmartSurvey
SmartSurvey exists to simplify the collection of information from your audience with smart digital solutions. This is our mission.
Why? Because access to the information you need to make smart decisions shouldn’t be complicated. ‘User-friendly’ is our mantra.
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