Senior Legal Counsel (Proposition)

at  Aegon

Job Description Summary
Job Description
Senior Legal Counsel
Permanent
Location: Edinburgh, Peterborough or London (typically 2 days in the office per week, 3 from home)
Expected starting salary: £62,160 - £77,700
Closing date: 31st October 2024
We’re Aegon - a company of ambitious, collaborative, problem-solvers who get things done. We strive to make sure everyone that works for us feel seen, heard, and valued – so we’re looking for like-minded people to join us. We have three behaviours that are central to how we operate as a team and a business: we step up, we tune in and we’re a force for good.
We help people live their best lives. We help them with the big stuff, for the moments that matter: Pensions, Savings, Investments. At Aegon, we strive in creating a diverse organisation that plays a meaningful role in driving greater equity, inclusion and belonging.
The Job:
We are seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic direction and high-quality, specialist legal and technical advice, engaging with the business, including executive level. Your guidance will be pivotal in influencing business decisions and supporting Aegon’s product development and proposition requirements. You will also play a key role in reviewing legislative and regulatory aspects of our products and services, and in resolving disputes involving pensions, GIAs, ISAs, and protection products.
Key Responsibilities:
As a key member of our team, you will offer high-quality legal and technical advice to both Existing Business and Digital Solutions. Building strong internal relationships to influence decision-makers and support strategic and commercial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Proposition Projects: Provide specialist legal and technical advice, identifying solutions and risks, and lead these projects to ensure expert delivery within agreed timelines.
• Contractual Documentation: Ensure accuracy and appropriateness of contractual documentation with customers, including scheme rules, policy conditions, and application forms.
• Dispute Resolution: Offer specialist advice on complex and high-value disputes related to pensions, ISAs, and GIAs, identifying legal options and risks.
• Governance Committees: Represent the Group Legal function in governance committees to influence business decision-making.
• Ad Hoc Queries: Provide high-quality advice on complex queries as needed.
• Support Group Legal and Board Office: Assist in meeting business priorities by providing expert legal and technical advice.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Expertise in pensions within the financial services sector with technical expertise in the pensions’ regime, including HMRC, DWP, and Regulator guidelines.
• Expert knowledge of pensions law and related legislation.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven track record of delivering results.
• Ability to advise and communicate effectively with all levels of the business, including senior management.
• Strong influencing skills to support business decision-making.
• Expertise in conducting complex research and applying findings to business needs.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to guide others in achieving business results.

It’d also be great – but not essential - if you’ve got:

• Familiarity with ISAs, GIAs, and investment fund management agreements is advantageous.

Qualifications:

• Qualified solicitor or advocate/barrister in Scotland or England, or significant technical experience in pensions, ISAs, protection products, and/or investments.

What’s in it for you?

• A competitive starting salary from £62,160 - £77,700, depending on the experience you can bring
• A non-contributory pension between 8%-12%
• A discretionary bonus, depending on personal and company performance
• 34 days leave per year (including bank holidays, pro-rated for part-time)

We also offer private medical cover, life assurance, critical illness cover, enhanced parental leave and a variety of lifestyle benefits to help our employees live their best lives, including retail discount vouchers, cycle2work scheme, subsidised restaurant and online GP appointments.
Join us at Aegon and be part of a team that values expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence. Apply now to make a significant impact on our business and help us achieve our strategic goals.
The legal bits
We’ll need you to confirm you have the right to work in the UK. If we offer you a job and you accept, there are some checks we need to complete before you can start with us. This will include a credit and criminal record check, as well as providing satisfactory references.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their age, disability, race, religion/belief, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity

• Strategic Proposition Projects: Provide specialist legal and technical advice, identifying solutions and risks, and lead these projects to ensure expert delivery within agreed timelines.
• Contractual Documentation: Ensure accuracy and appropriateness of contractual documentation with customers, including scheme rules, policy conditions, and application forms.
• Dispute Resolution: Offer specialist advice on complex and high-value disputes related to pensions, ISAs, and GIAs, identifying legal options and risks.
• Governance Committees: Represent the Group Legal function in governance committees to influence business decision-making.
• Ad Hoc Queries: Provide high-quality advice on complex queries as needed.
• Support Group Legal and Board Office: Assist in meeting business priorities by providing expert legal and technical advice