Senior Legal Counsel (5+ PQE)
Location: Buckinghamshire (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Department: Legal
Reports to: General Counsel
Sector: Automotive / Retail
An exciting opportunity to make an impact in a leading international automotive group.
Are you a commercially minded lawyer ready to take the next step in your in-house career? Our client — a dynamic and fast-growing international retailer operating in the finance (FCA) world — is looking for a talented Legal Counsel to join their high-performing Legal team.
In this pivotal role, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to the business, providing expert legal guidance on a wide range of matters. Working closely with the General Counsel and senior management, you’ll help shape a strong culture of legal excellence and compliance across the organisation.
You’ll also lead and develop a small team of Paralegals, ensuring they’re empowered to deliver an outstanding and seamless service to all business areas.
What You’ll Do
* Deliver clear, pragmatic legal advice across diverse areas including commercial, corporate, consumer, intellectual property, and employment law.
* Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts in collaboration with Procurement and business stakeholders.
* Advise on M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring and post completion integration.
* Support on corporate governance and company secretarial matters.
* Manage disputes and litigation, supporting retail sites with complex customer issues and liaising with external counsel where appropriate.
* Provide proactive support to HR on employment-related matters.
* Contribute to broader risk management and guide the business on regulatory compliance, particularly FCA and GDPR obligations.
* Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies, templates and compliance frameworks.
* Design and deliver tailored legal training to teams across the organisation.
About You
* UK Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE.
* Background in private practice (top-tier firm) or in-house commercial environment.
* Strong experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
* Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
* Proactive, commercially astute, and organised – with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
* (Desirable) Experience within the retail or automotive sector.
Why Join Us
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation where your legal expertise will directly shape business decisions and strategy. We offer a collaborative culture, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible impact across a large, international group.
Ready to drive your legal career forward?
Apply now and be part of a team that’s redefining excellence in automotive retail.