Sherwin‑Williams is the world’s largest paint and coatings company, with annual revenues of approximately $24 billion. Across the EMEAI region, the business operates in both industrial and consumer markets, with a presence in numerous countries and a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
We are now seeking a Senior Counsel to join our established regional legal team, supporting our EMEAI Industrial businesses. This is a senior, highly visible role, offering the opportunity to work closely with leadership teams across an international, fast‑paced environment.
The role will be based in the Manchester area, with hybrid working available (not fully remote). Alternative locations, including Birmingham, may also be considered. Some national and international travel will be required.
As Senior Counsel, you will provide senior‑level legal support across Sherwin‑Williams’ EMEAI operations, with a primary focus on the Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group. You will act as a trusted advisor to management teams, delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice while supporting business objectives and effective risk management.
You will support the following areas:
1. Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group
Seven business units producing, selling, and distributing the Company’s industrial products.
2. Global Supply Chain
Manufacturing operations, logistics, procurement, and operational support for commercial divisions.
3. Functional Support
Advising key functions including Real Estate, Human Resources, Finance, R&D, and Corporate teams.
4. Privacy Support
Advising on GDPR compliance and related data protection matters.
5. Sustainability Support
Supporting the review of marketing collateral, particularly in relation to green claims and sustainability‑related communications.
6. The Senior Counsel will help provide legal services to the Company’s divisions in EMEAI, which are:
Global Industrial/Performance Coatings Group – industrial division which produces, sells and distributes the Company’s industrial products, through 7 individual business units.
Global Supply Chain – operational division responsible for manufacturing of products for all commercial divisions, logistics, procurement etc.
Functional Support – Advising key functions such as Real Estate, Human Resources, Finance, R&D, and Corporate.
Privacy Support – GDPR Compliance.
Sustainability Support – supporting with the review of marketing collateral in connection with green claims and advising on the impact.
7. The Senior Counsel will primarily support businesses within Sherwin-Williams’ “Global Industrial” coatings group in region, and will provide senior level support to the management teams of these divisions. The Senior Counsel will assist with a wide range of legal and business issues, including commercial contracts, disputes, HR issues, real estate transactions, marketing issues, M&A, export control and compliance issues, as well as proactively working on legal and business projects and training to reduce risk to the businesses and improve delivery of in-house legal services. The Senior Counsel will not have any direct reports at the outset, but will be required to work with team members in a matrixed environment.
8. Qualified Solicitor (Desirable 8-10+ years’ experience is desirable, but we will consider applicants with relevant competencies and experience)
9. Relevant experience in a large law firm and/or in-house legal department.
COMPETENCIES
10. Substantial experience in corporate, commercial and contract law.
11. Substantial experience in a large law firm and/or in-house legal department with international experience highly desirable.
12. Substantial experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
13. Experience in any of the following areas highly desirable – Litigation, Privacy and GDPR, Construction, Regulatory, HR and Pensions, Real Estate, IP, sustainability and export compliance.
14. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complicated subjects in easily understood language.
15. High degree of professionalism and integrity.
16. Adaptability to changes in work environment, situations and processes.
17. Ability to understand commercial business models and financial concepts.
18. Ability to work as a team member and to interact successfully with people at all levels within and outside of the organization, including in-house attorneys, business professionals and outside counsel.
19. Strong work ethic and time management skills, including the ability to work independently and to work on several projects simultaneously.
20. High competency in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.
Internal Vacancy Announcement
This vacancy is advertised exclusively for internal candidates, with a closing date of Friday 3rd April.
Interview dates: Proposed for week commencing 6th and 13th April. Successful candidates will be notified in advance, allowing time to prepare.
***Please be aware that you can apply for any internal job offer after minimum one year in current role having previously informed your manager.
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