Job Description
Legal Counsel
Permanent Contract
Hybrid – Leeds, Norwich or Wallingford
Valeo Foods is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Legal Team. This is a hybrid role. We’re looking for candidates who are based in or near Leeds, Norwich or Wallingford. There’ll be occasional travel to our other UK sites.
You’ll play a key role in supporting the business by delivering clear, practical legal and compliance advice, helping teams navigate risk, and enabling the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial, procurement, technology and licensing agreements.
* Provide clear, pragmatic advice on legal and commercial risks.
* Support the Marketing Team with advertising compliance, NPD and brand protection.
* Work with external trade mark agents to manage and maintain the company’s trade mark portfolio.
* Advise on IP issues and assist with the resolution of commercial disputes.
* Manage employer’s liability claims, liaising with H&S, HR, insurers and external solicitors.
* Support the Consumer Services Team in responding to consumer communications.
* Contribute to the development and improvement of legal templates, guidance notes and self‑serve tools.
* Monitor and interpret changes in relevant legislation, regulations and industry codes, ensuring the business remains compliant.
* Engage with external counsel where required and manage associated costs effectively
Qualifications
We’re seeking a confident and commercially minded legal professional who can operate with autonomy, clarity and impact across a fast‑moving organisation. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise alongside the mindset and behaviours needed to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
* Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
* 5–10 years’ PQE, ideally gained in a commercial in‑house or private practice environment.
* Skills & Behaviours
* Strong analytical thinking and the ability to translate complexity into clear, practical advice.
* Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to high‑quality output.
* Excellent organisation skills, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
* A proactive, forward‑looking approach with the capacity to create and embrace change.
* Strong collaboration skills, building effective relationships across all levels of the organisation.
* A “Personal Best” mindset, consistently seeking continuous improvement.
* High adaptability, comfortable operating with senior stakeholders as well as hands‑on teams.
* Outstanding written and verbal communication, including confident presentation skills.
* Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment while maintaining sound judgement.
Additional Information
What we offer you in return
* Working Monday to Friday
* Excellent Career Opportunities
* Matched pension scheme up to 10%
* Death in service
* Cycle to work scheme
* And plenty more!