Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Senior
Application Closing Date: 6th November 2025
About Us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same‑day grocery delivery service.
About The Team And The Role
The Senior Legal Counsel is a key member of the Legal and Compliance team at ORL, reporting into the Legal, Compliance & Risk Director. Joining a six‑person Legal team, this role is central to providing comprehensive commercial legal support across the business, and assisting in the development and execution of the legal strategy. Key areas of advice will include: advising and supporting the business on high value commercial contracts, data protection, general regulatory matters, employment law, competition law, marketing guidelines, intellectual property and litigation/disputes.
What You’ll Do
* Review, draft and negotiate complex commercial / strategic contracts for all relevant business areas and operate with a high degree of autonomy in resolving complex legal issues.
* Develop strong working relationships with key business functions including acting as a strategic advisor to relevant management teams.
* Support the development and launch of new features, campaigns and commercial models by advising on compliance and legal issues.
* Advise and support the business on data protection law, GSCOP, advertising and marketing standards and general regulatory and compliance matters, including interactions with regulators.
* Help the business to make sound, risk‑based decisions taking all relevant legal and commercial factors into account.
* Manage disputes/contentious issues including tactics and strategy, active participation in settlement discussions or dispute resolution processes as appropriate.
* Lead and manage the adoption of new legislation and legal frameworks within the Legal team and, as relevant, across the business.
* Assist with and deliver legal training to the business including in relation to competition law compliance.
* Provide guidance and support to junior members of the legal team on specific matters and projects.
* Prepare know‑how on relevant legal/contractual issues and run training sessions to share know‑how.
* Create and update template documents and “playbooks” to make workstreams more efficient.
* Interact with law firms and manage outsourcing cost effectively and efficiently.
* Remain current with the latest regulations, trends and leading practices, anticipating potential risks and advising on appropriate responses.
* Support on IP, including managing the trademark portfolio, advising on infringement risk and licences.
Who You Are
* Strong judgement and communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to collaborate and build relationships across diverse teams, and importantly influence stakeholders in a constructive and meaningful way.
* Qualified as a solicitor or barrister with relevant experience either from a reputable private practice firm or well‑established in‑house legal team.
* Broad and extensive legal knowledge with sound experience in commercial and consumer law, ideally in either retail, another B2C industry or eCommerce environment.
* Experience or desire to work in a fast paced, dynamic and high growth business.
* Ability to focus on and prioritise multiple matters concurrently and to work to tight deadlines.
* A true commercial problem solver and enthusiastic decision maker.
* Excellent technical skills and ability to give clear and pragmatic advice.
* Support in the development of the junior members of the legal team.
* Able and comfortable to innovate in delivery and output of legal advice using AI.
What’s In It For You
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
We receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you’re a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal opportunity employer. That means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
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