SRM Recruitment is hiring on behalf of a fast-growing acquisitive group which operates across multiple B2B and facilities management sectors including catering, cleaning, security/guarding and hospitality.
As part of the next phase of this company's growth and integration, they are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to act as the senior legal advisor to the CEO and the Board. This is a broad, hands-on role which covers corporate, commercial, property and employment matters, with significant exposure to M&A activity and strategic decision making.
This is an opportunity to build and shape the legal function within a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
Legal Counsel / General Counsel
Location: Cardiff
Reports: Initially standalone
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Contracts
* Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts including customer agreements, supplier contracts and framework agreements (including schools, and commercial businesses)
* Support operating businesses with pricing structures, service level agreements and contractual risk mitigation.
* Develop and standardise contract templates and commercial playbooks across the Group.
Property
* Manage legal matters relating to property leases, licences, renewals and dilapidations across the Group’s portfolio.
* Support new site acquisitions and exits in collaboration with operations and finance.
Employment & HR Legal Support
* Provide legal guidance on employment matters, TUPE, restructures and employee relations issues.
* Work closely with HR to ensure policies and practices are legally compliant.
Compliance & Risk
* Establish and oversee Group legal compliance frameworks.
* Identify legal risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
* Manage external legal advisers efficiently and cost-effectively.
Corporate & M&A
* Lead all legal aspects of acquisitions, disposals and integrations, including due diligence, SPA negotiation and completion processes.
* Support post-acquisition integration from a legal and governance perspective.
* Asset transfers
* Advise the Board on corporate governance, regulatory obligations and risk management.
Strategic Support
* Act as trusted adviser to the CEO and Board on strategic initiatives.
* Contribute to Group-wide projects and operational improvements.
* Help embed consistent legal standards and governance across all operating companies.
Candidate Profile
Essential
* Qualified solicitor (UK or equivalent).
* Significant post-qualification experience, ideally combining private practice and in-house roles.
* Strong experience in M&A and commercial contracts.
* Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, acquisitive or multi-site environment.
* Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions-focused.
* Comfortable working hands-on while also operating at Board level.
Desirable
* Experience within B2B services, facilities management, hospitality or similarly operational sectors.
* Exposure to private equity-backed or high-growth businesses.
* Experience building or formalising in-house legal functions.
Personal Attributes
* Confident communicator with gravitas at Board level.
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
* Collaborative, approachable and able to influence senior stakeholders.
* Comfortable with ambiguity and change.
* Entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine desire to help grow the business.
Package
Competitive salary plus benefits, commensurate with experience. Equity or long-term incentive participation may be available for the right candidate.