Legal Counsel at Cloud Imperium in Manchester

Legal Counsel

Location: Manchester

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground-breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the gaming community as a whole.

About the Role

We are looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our global Legal team onsite in Manchester, UK, reporting to the General Counsel. With a primary focus on commercial contracts, consumer and product advice, you will take ownership of day-to-day commercial matters and negotiations, using sound judgement about when to involve senior colleagues. You will also support the team on privacy, regulatory, intellectual property and other legal work, drawing on specialist external counsel where needed. This role offers real responsibility and the chance to build in-house experience in an international video game and technology business, working closely with Publishing, Marketing, Development, Technology, Finance, People and Operations. You don’t need experience in every area listed.

What you’ll do:

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including supplier, technology, SaaS, marketing, licensing, services and partnership agreements.

• Own day-to-day commercial negotiations, giving practical advice on rights, obligations and risk, and escalating material issues appropriately.

• Support publishing, distribution and platform arrangements, and advise on consumer terms, digital commerce, subscriptions, promotions and customer-facing policies.

• Advise on consumer protection, advertising, marketing and online services requirements, and track regulatory developments and their impact on the business.

• Leading compliance initiatives and policy development.

• Review and negotiate data protection terms, and provide legal input into DPIAs, privacy notices, cookies and international data transfers.

• Support IP ownership, licensing and content-use matters, including emerging AI-related issues.

• Assist senior colleagues with disputes, investigations, and corporate and governance matters, working with external counsel where needed.

• Maintain templates, precedents and negotiation playbooks, and help improve Legal processes and knowledge management.

What you’ll bring:

• Qualified lawyer in a common-law jurisdiction.

• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and advising on general commercial legal matters.

• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical and research skills, with the ability to explain legal issues clearly and concisely.

• Commercial awareness and sound judgement on risk, escalation and when to seek specialist support.

• Confidence working directly with stakeholders at all levels of the business.

• Ability to manage competing priorities with attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.

Pluses:

• Experience in video games, technology, software, digital media or entertainment.

• Knowledge of consumer law, digital commerce, privacy or data protection.

• Exposure to IP, licensing, marketing, advertising, talent or promotional arrangements.

• Experience of technology or SaaS agreements, or of disputes and investigations.

• International business experience, or an in-house role or secondment.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!