Head of Legal

PayXpert is a pioneer in omnichannel payments and a subsidiary of the Société Générale group. We serve a diverse array of local and international brands both online and in-store, spanning various sectors. At the heart of our vision is the creation of a payment ecosystem that fosters an inclusive commerce experience for all.

We have developed services that focus on revenue optimisation, performance enhancement, fraud prevention, and seamless payment orchestration. Our expertise extends to cross-border payments and alternative payment methods such as Alipay+ and WeChat Pay. Furthermore, our solutions are designed with accessibility in mind, offering features that cater to the visually impaired, ensuring everyone can engage in the modern commerce landscape.

PayXpert is part of Societe Generale Group.

Job Purpose

The Head of Legal plays a strategic and operational role in ensuring the company operates within legal frameworks while enabling business growth. This role requires a proactive legal leader who not only provides strategic guidance but also takes a hands-on approach in managing legal affairs, drafting and negotiating contracts, handling regulatory matters, and mitigating legal risks. The ideal candidate will have expertise in corporate, commercial, and employment law, with the ability to navigate complex financial services regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

Why Joining us ?

This is a unique opportunity to lead the legal function of a rapidly growing company now part of Société Générale. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on legal work, offering exposure to complex financial services regulations and high-impact commercial transactions. If you are a dynamic and business-oriented legal professional who thrives in both leadership and operational roles, we invite you to apply and contribute to shaping the future of our company.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Team Leadership & Operations:

• Ensure the Legal team works efficiently, providing high-quality and business-oriented legal support.
• Manage and develop the legal team, fostering a proactive and solution-driven legal culture.
• Actively contribute to operational legal work, taking a hands-on approach to legal matters rather than solely managing the team.

Contract Management & Negotiation:

• Draft, review, validate, and negotiate contracts, ensuring they align with business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all legal agreements, templates, and documents are up to date and compliant with statutory laws.
• Support business units in commercial contract negotiations, mitigating legal risks while enabling business growth.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across all business activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, industry regulations, and corporate policies, particularly within the financial services sector.
• Provide legal insights into company policies and procedures, ensuring they align with legal and regulatory obligations.

Regulatory & Financial Services Compliance:

• Provide pragmatic, multi-jurisdictional, and commercially driven legal advice within the complex regulatory environment of financial services.
• Advise on financial services regulations impacting the business, ensuring the company operates within compliance frameworks.
• Coordinate with Société Générale's legal teams to align on corporate legal strategies and regulatory expectations.

Business & Employment Law Advisory:

• Offer legal counsel to all operational business units on general legal, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Advise on corporate governance, M&A transactions, and investment rounds, ensuring legal compliance in all commercial operations.
• Provide guidance on employment law in different jurisdictions (contracts, amendments, compliance with foreign requirements).
• Assist and advise on potential labor disputes, employee conflicts, and employment litigation.

Legal Training & Internal Processes:

• Develop and implement legal training programs for internal teams to ensure awareness of legal risks and compliance requirements.
• Establish and oversee legal processes to enhance efficiency and legal risk management within the organization.
• Act as a strategic partner to management, guiding them on best legal practices for business operations.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Manage litigation matters, including corporate, commercial, and employment-related disputes.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary and ensure the company's legal interests are protected.
• Report on legal activities, risks, and litigation to senior management and key stakeholders.

Legal Team Recruitment & Development:

• Lead recruitment efforts for the Legal department, ensuring the attraction and retention of top legal talent.
• Develop team members' skills and expertise through mentorship and continuous training.

Position Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in Law (Corporate, Business, or Financial Law specialization preferred).
• At least 8-10 years of experience in a legal role, ideally within the financial services, payments, or fintech industry.
• Experience working in a multi-jurisdictional legal environment, particularly within France and Spain.
• Proven track record of managing legal operations in a high-growth, regulated business environment.

Technical & Legal Expertise:

• Strong expertise in corporate, commercial, and financial regulatory law.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience in contract negotiation, M&A transactions, and corporate governance.
• Strong understanding of financial services regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of litigation, dispute resolution, and legal risk mitigation strategies.

Skills & Competencies:

• Hands-on Approach: Not just a legal manager but an operational leader who actively contributes to legal matters.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing legal team.
• Business Orientation: Strong commercial mindset with the ability to balance risk management with business growth objectives.
• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Ability to provide pragmatic and business-oriented legal solutions in complex environments.
• Excellent Communication & Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and senior executives.
• Fluent in French and English; Spanish is a strong plus.

Payxpert Benefits:

Private Health Insurance

Hybrid working M.