Jobs, fresher vacancy - Commercial Funds Lawyer • UK

Company: Clients & Strategy

UK

DescriptionAbout Us Owned by pension funds. Inspired by their members. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We prioritise the interests of like-minded investors worldwide who aim to build a real and lasting impact by focusing on assets that combine excellent long-term risk/reward characteristics with broad economic, environmental and social benefits to the community. Operating globally from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, London, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo, IFM manages investments across infrastructure, debt, listed equities and private equity assets. For more information, visit ifminvestors.com. Business Overview Finance and Accounting provide business partnership and specialist accounting and financial analysis support to our investors and our internal teams through: Finance Strategy, Business Planning and Budgeting, Workforce Planning, Fund Accounting, Corporate Financial and Management Reporting, Corporate Tax and Regulatory Reporting, Accounts Receivable and Payable, and Procurement. Corporate Services provides administration support to the business and manage our office facilities – along with reception, office services and client services. Our Legal & Tax teams work with the business and our investors to provide support on our global products and services, and the markets in which we operate. The Opportunity At IFM, you’re not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world. So, we have made sure to create a workplace that’s inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you’re given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team. Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. We also believe all roles are genuinely flexible at IFM – so we are happy to talk through what this might look like for you. The Role This role is responsible for providing legal and commercial advice and legal support to the corporate and investment teams in connection with strategic initiatives, funds, products and fundraising. A primary contact for the EMEA Global Client Solutions (“GCS”) and Client Onboarding teams. General funds counsel and governance responsibilities Primarily supports the GCS and Onboarding teams and other business units in EMEA but may include working with teams in other offices Demonstrates understanding of the business successes, challenges, and strategic objectives of IFM and its investors; draws from experience to evaluate solutions through an investor focused lens, while also managing IFM's business risks and strategic needs and provide advice regarding potential opportunities and risks. Is proactive and thinks strategically regarding the future needs of IFM and its investors Provides advice and guidance as a subject matter expert to others on new ideas and solutions that will improve current business processes and address challenges, and leverages other subject matter experts as needed to develop solutions Proactively builds and draws on connections across asset classes/business groups and geographies to promote a 'One IFM' mindset Focuses on project/process resources and requirements that results in the right policies, practices, trends and information that shape IFM in an efficient and effective manner. Implements solutions, cognisant of financial and operational factors that work across business units/functions resulting in improved financial performance. Assists key stakeholders to successfully navigate through critical business changes. Utilises expertise and contextual awareness to explore complex issues with stakeholders and investors and provide trusted advice. Serves as a subject matter expert to others on new ideas and solutions that will improve current business processes and address challenges, and leverages other subject matter experts as needed to develop nuanced solutions. Demonstrates strong negotiation and persuasion skills and guides others to handle legal issues or objections by emphasising the positive aspects of the argument and developing a line of reasoned arguments supported with the right data. Guides others to consider the costs and benefits of not reaching an agreement, frequently leading individuals or teams toward consensus or agreement for a course of action. Keeps key stakeholders appraised of project or programme risks and handles difficult decisions and communications when timelines cannot be achieved. Role model strong compliance with all policies and delegations Provides subject matter expertise regarding legal terms and regulations, remaining constantly up-to-date on new procedures and regulations for legal documents and formats Provides expertise by constantly ensuring compliance with legal procedural requirements, deadlines and administrative priorities; troubleshoots and proposes improvements when deemed necessary Leads the development of legal documents that reflect the business' interests and needs, preparing executive memorandum to support a proposed business case. Identifies issues and risks that may impact multiple asset classes / business units, develops potential solutions and ensures consistency in approach (where appropriate). Champions compliance with risk management processes across the organisation Your Background and Experience Minimum of 4-10 years experience upwards gained at a reputable law firm and/or in-house in funds management including an understanding of relevant documentation and structures. (*Years experience will reflect the level of the role). A period of in-house or secondment experience in a relevant organisation preferable. Sound financial and commercial acumen. Tertiary legal qualification and current legal practising certificate in England & Wales, an EU jurisdiction or Australia. Additional studies in finance would be an advantage. Strong leadership skills and capability (see below). Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and diplomacy. Ability to hold ground whilst influencing stakeholders (at all seniority levels). Ability to make sensible and pragmatic decisions, and to understand the wider business context. Strong initiative – ability to proactively identify issues and progress tasks. Strong work ethic – ability to work to deadlines, under pressure and to manage multiple tasks/stakeholders. Ability to identify and focus on business critical, strategic and/or high impact tasks and matters. Team player who is willing to assist others as/when required and works collaboratively with the broader business. Deep understanding of relevant legal documentation and concepts. Ability to explain complex legal issues in a simple and effective manner to provide senior management with guidance on current and potential future laws, controls and regulatory requirements that impact IFM and its investors. Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, managing time efficiently and effectively and focussing on the most critical issues and risks. Is proactive and thinks strategically regarding the future needs of IFM and its clients. Ability to identify issues and risks that may impact multiple asset classes / business units, develops potential solutions and ensures consistency in approach (where appropriate). Ready to invest in what matters? With IFM, that includes your own career. Visit ifminvestors.com/careers to find out more. IFM Investors is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you require any specific support for the interview process at Careers@ifminvestors.com