Closing Date: 28th August, 2026

Description:

Description - Support Pearson's enterprise sales organisation through complex customer contracting, strategic partnerships, and commercial legal guidance; this role is also known in the market as Commercial Counsel, Corporate Counsel, Enterprise Sales Counsel, Commercial Contracts Counsel, Senior Commercial Counsel, or Legal Counsel, Enterprise Sales.

About the role:
Pearson is seeking an experienced Lead Specialist, Legal Counsel to join our legal team and support the Enterprise Sales organisation.

This role will serve as a practical, business-minded legal partner, helping to accelerate revenue while managing legal, commercial, intellectual property, AI, data privacy and operational risk. Working closely with Sales, Finance, Product, Security, Privacy, Operations and other cross-functional stakeholders, you will support complex enterprise transactions from initial opportunity through to contract execution and ongoing commercial support.

You will play a key role in enabling business growth while ensuring commercial agreements remain scalable, compliant and aligned with Pearson's broader strategic objectives.

What You'll Be Doing Commercial Contracting & Negotiations

Draft, review, revise and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
Master Services Agreements (MSAs)
Subscription Agreements
Order Forms
Amendments and Renewals
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Professional Services Agreements
Reseller and Channel Agreement
Strategic Partnership Arrangements
Support customer negotiations through direct participation in calls and commercial discussions.
Develop negotiation positions and help resolve escalated legal or commercial issues.
Advise on contract risk while balancing commercial objectives.

Legal Advisory

Advise stakeholders on:
Intellectual Property
Warranties
Indemnities
Limitations of Liability
Service Commitments
Payment Terms
Termination Rights
Assignment Provisions
Data Privacy
AI-related contractual considerations
Regulatory and compliance obligations
Translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical, business-focused guidance.

Process Improvement & Legal Operations

Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, clause libraries and approval matrices.
Improve contracting workflows and processes to increase scalability and efficiency.
Support legal operations initiatives, including automation, intake processes, reporting and knowledge management.
Monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting enterprise sales, SaaS, AI and commercial contracting.

What We're Looking For Essential

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar, or equivalent legal qualification.
Significant experience drafting and negotiating:
Commercial Technology Agreements
SaaS Agreements
Subscription Agreements
Licensing Agreements
Enterprise Customer Contracts
Strong understanding of:
Enterprise Sales Cycles
Procurement Processes
Commercial Contracting
Complex B2B Negotiations
Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
Strong commercial judgement and practical problem-solving capability.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to explain legal concepts effectively to non-legal stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

Preferred:
Previous in-house legal experience supporting:

Enterprise Sales
Technology Businesses
SaaS Organisations
Digital Learning Platforms
Commercial Contracting Functions
Experience building or improving:
Contract Playbooks
Templates
Legal Workflows
Automation Processes
Experience negotiating with large enterprise customers, strategic partners or public sector organisations.
Experience supporting global teams and cross-border commercial activity.

Success in This Role Looks Like

Enterprise customer agreements are negotiated efficiently while protecting Pearson's legal and commercial interests.
Sales teams receive practical, timely and commercially focused legal advice.
Contract turnaround times improve through scalable processes, templates and workflows.
Stakeholders understand legal risks and receive clear recommendations for decision-making.
Legal operations become more efficient through automation, knowledge sharing and standardisation.
Pearson maintains a strong balance between commercial growth and effective risk management.