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.