General Counsel

The Role

The General Counsel is a critical leadership role responsible for all of Foundry’s legal, compliance and corporate governance matters. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), the General Counsel will act as a trusted advisor to the CCO, the Executive Team, and our owners, Roper Technologies, Inc.

Foundry operates in a fast-moving global software market, with rapidly evolving AI technologies
and regulatory requirements. This is a hands-on leadership role enabling Foundry to pursue its growth targets within clear legal and risk operating boundaries. The core opportunity lies in positioning the legal function as a proactive, high-value commercial partner - removing friction from strategic enterprise sales, structuring product licensing, AI integration and internal rollout, and supporting Foundry’s expansion into adjacent market segments from pre-production through to post-production.

Working collaboratively across UK and US time zones with Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and People leaders (as well as Roper’s corporate governance functions) the General Counsel will combine strategic advice with hands-on management of complex transactions. They will lead the legal function through one direct report: the Senior Legal Counsel.

Responsibilities

Commercial Enablement & Revenue Growth:

• Lead Foundry’s legal function as a proactive commercial enabler aligning legal, commercial, and operational priorities.
• Lead negotiations for strategic customer partnerships, industry alliances and multi-year commitments, balancing deal speed, commercial value and legal protection.
• Own Foundry’s global licensing framework from standard terms through to bespoke strategic technology partner arrangements.
• Negotiate and oversee reseller and local partner agreements that support global channel growth and new product launches.
• Partner with Sales to provide clear templates, playbooks and approval thresholds to accelerate routine deals.
• Provide early guidance to the Chief Product Officer and Chief AI Officer into product roadmaps, pricing models, and new go-to-market packaging.

AI, Data & Intellectual Property:

• Enable and champion responsible internal AI adoption and in-product AI commercialisation.
• Define and advise the Executive Team on industry-appropriate strategy, control and ethics regarding AI training data, usage rights, standards and applicable regulations.
• Lead IP strategy and protection, including proprietary and open-source licensing, ownership of developed technology, third party rights and infringement risk.
• Work in close coordination with Roper Technologies on Foundry’s registered IP portfolio, including the management of related disputes and litigation.
• Partner with the CFO and Head of License Compliance to protect Foundry’s IP and recover revenue through appropriate enforcement action.
• Represent Legal on Foundry’s AI Advisory Group and Cyber Committee alongside the CEO, CFO, CTO and CCO.

Governance, Compliance & Risk:

• Lead legal oversight of Foundry’s trade and sanctions compliance, data privacy (GDPR/international frameworks), ESG, anti-bribery, and cyber security programs.
• Advise the Executive Team on corporate governance and material commercial risks, giving clear recommendations and early escalation of issues that exceed agreed risk or authority limits.
• Act as primary contact to Roper Technologies on all legal and compliance matters, securing approvals required under the delegated authority matrix and partnering with the CCO and CFO on governance and reporting.
• Oversee all commercial disputes, litigation, and regulatory inquiries, using trusted external counsel to achieve proportionate and balanced outcomes.

Corporate Development & Strategic Projects:

• Lead Foundry legal input for “buy, build or partner” evaluations, and support new market entries.
• Lead Foundry legal diligence, transaction structuring and integration planning for M&A.

Leadership & Legal Operations:

• Lead and develop one direct report: the Senior Legal Counsel.
• Develop an accountable, commercially focused legal function that works in tandem with Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and People teams.
• Use and champion AI capability and self-service for routine enquiries and contract lifecycle management, freeing capacity for strategic legal work.
• Manage the legal budget and external counsel, demonstrating value through deal progress and risk reduction.
• Advise the Chief People Officer and Executive Team on senior employment matters, executive contracts, and employment disputes.

Requirements

• 12+ years PQE with top-tier law firm training. Qualified to practise law in England & Wales or an equivalent jurisdiction.
• Senior in-house experience as General Counsel, Head of Legal, or senior commercial counsel in a growing international software business.
• Deep hands-on expertise in IP, AI, commercial contracts and software licensing.
• Practical expertise in AI governance and data privacy regimes (UK/EU GDPR and US privacy frameworks) translating requirements into workable practice.
• Proven ability to lead and develop legal talent while handling complex, high-impact matters.
• Direct experience in M&A diligence and transaction execution.
• Clear, decisive communication and sound judgment necessary to provide executive and board audiences practical and risk-balanced advice.
• Experience using legal operations technology and AI tools to improve the effectiveness of a lean legal team.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme & Life Assurance
• Health cash plan & Medical Insurance
• Season ticket loan
• Company’s social events
• Personal Annual Development Time
• Passion Days
• Anniversary Day off