Legal Counsel – Commercial
Location: Greater London (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Sector: Retail / Consumer / Ecommerce
Team size: legal professionals
Reports to: Senior Legal Counsel
Overview
A major international retail and consumer group is seeking an energised and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join its UK & Ireland legal team. Operating within a fast‑paced, innovative and customer‑centric environment, the organisation spans multiple well‑known retail brands and forms part of a wider global group with a significant international footprint.
You will join a dynamic, collaborative legal function supporting a diverse portfolio of businesses and strategic initiatives. The role offers substantial exposure to senior stakeholders, the opportunity to influence commercial decision‑making, and excellent opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Role
As part of the UK & Ireland legal team, you will provide strategic and pragmatic legal support across the business, acting as a trusted adviser to commercial, marketing, procurement, digital, and operational teams. You will negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts, provide guidance on regulatory issues, and support key projects across the group.
You will bring fresh thinking to new business models and thrive in a matrix environment, engaging confidently and credibly with stakeholders at all levels. The role also includes supporting the team’s trainee and contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and training across the business.
Key Responsibilities
1. Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including: Marketing and media contracts Technology and IT agreements Supply chain, logistics and consignment arrangements
2. Partner with Procurement on contract tenders, negotiations and the contract approval/execution process
3. Provide legal advice on advertising, marketing and promotional activity (campaign clearance, pricing, promotions, prize draws, competitions)
4. Support responses to regulatory enquiries (including advertising and trading standards matters) and coordinate investigations and submissions
5. Assist with IP and trademark matters, including disputes, enforcement and general commercial litigation
6. Advise on data protection and privacy matters
7. Develop and deliver legal training on key risk areas to increase commercial awareness and compliance across the organisation
Candidate Profile
8. Qualified lawyer (common law jurisdiction) with 1-3 years’ PQE
9. Background in a reputable commercial team (private practice or in‑house at a large/multinational organisation)
10. Strong experience in commercial contracts essential; transferable skills also welcomed
11. Exposure to IP, marketing/advertising law or privacy/GDPR is beneficial (not essential)
12. Experience within retail, FMCG or a fast‑moving consumer environment strongly preferred
13. Highly commercial mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
14. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
15. Tech‑savvy and comfortable operating in a digital‑first environment
16. Adaptable, proactive, energetic and collaborative – thrives in a fast‑paced, evolving organisation