Role description

JOB TITLE: Football Legal Counsel   
REPORTING LINE: Director of Football Operations   
LOCATION: Ibrox / Rangers Training centre   
CONTRACT: Full time
BACKGROUND
Rangers Football Club, formed in 1872, is one of the world’s longest established and most successful clubs, having won 55 League titles, 34 Scottish Cups, 27 League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972. This collection of titles and cups makes Rangers the most successful club in the world, and it is currently the 9th strongest football brand according to the YouGov UK Brand Index.
Playing at the 50,987 seat Ibrox Stadium and benefitting from the world-class 37-acre training facility, the club has been a dominant force in Scottish football for decades. The club benefits from a famously loyal support and the high volume of season tickets is the foundation of the top 19 best attendances in Europe. It is estimated that Rangers has a global fanbase of 4m, half of which reside in the UK.
THE ROLE
The Football Legal Counsel is a senior role in the Football Club. The role is responsible for overseeing legal support for all Football Department related matters.
Working closely with the Director of Football Operations, the priority of the Football Legal Counsel is to ensure all legal aspects of Football Governance and Administration adheres to Scottish FA, UEFA and FIFA regulations.
The role is full-time and based at Ibrox Stadium with attendance at The Rangers Training Centre as required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Working on legal matters involving the Club, including; sporting, regulatory and employment matters;
Advising the Club on football regulatory and legal issues, including as it relates to rules, regulations and the preparation of football-specific contracts.
Working closely with the Director of Football Operations and Company Secretary, represent Rangers and provide support on legal and compliance matters relating to the rules and regulations of the SPFL, Scottish FA, FIFA, UEFA and ECA (as applicable);
Design and implement transfer agreements / player contracts / agent agreements when and where required.
Working alongside Football Administration Executive on VISA and GBE application.
Where appropriate, assist with drafting and negotiating the Club’s match and tour agreements including sponsorship, broadcast, stadium hire and travel elements for pre-season tours and friendlies.
Providing legal support to Company Secretary on various business functions, including the creation and maintenance of club terms and conditions and legal policies.
Educating staff and managers as applicable on any legal matters or processes to ensure risk management approaches are embedded in all activities.
Instructing and managing external legal support (where appropriate) on Football matters and ensuring that any external legal services are managed effectively and efficiently.
The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties as required by the Director of Football Operations, Chief Executive Officer, Company Secretary and/or any other Senior Manager/Director.
The post holder may also be required to work flexibly and outside of normal business hours on occasion, which could include evening and weekend work from time to time, in accordance with the organisation’s needs and including the summer and January transfer windows.
Attending staff meetings as required.
Attending training courses, external seminars and meetings as appropriate/required.
THE CANDIDATE
Essential qualifications skills:
A law degree – diploma in legal practice, completion of training contract and current practising certificate.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate a solid track record in a similar level legal role. You will be focused and professional, someone who works effectively with a Senior Leadership Team and takes a proactive approach to finding effective solutions as well as taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of legal matters.  Ideally you will have a minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role, although private practice experience will be considered.
The candidate attributes include:
An understanding and experience of operating in a regulated environment.
A knowledge and passion for the industry.
Strong drafting, negotiation analytical skills.
Being proactive with workload and interventions.
Seeking to continually develop their skills and knowledge.
Adopting an organised and structured approach to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the role.
The ability to communicate appropriately at all levels.
A flexible approach to working hours.
Being trustworthy and adhering to the Club’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Consistently demonstrating high standards of behaviour and appearance and encouraging the same from others.
Demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Being aware of current trends and best practice in your field of specialism.
Continually looking for ways to develop and improve the service provision of the Football Operations Department
EQUALITY INCLUSION:
At Rangers Football Club we are ambitious about diversity and inclusion. If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Rangers Football Club also welcomes applications from suitably qualified members of the armed forces family.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The candidate must keep up to date with new methods and undertake any necessary internal or external training sessions in accordance with Club Policies and Procedures.
If you can add value to our team, please email your CV and cover letter to —
LATEST CLOSING DATE: 25th August 2023
Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!