Our client is a leading international food and consumer goods business with a strong presence across the UK and global markets. Operating within a fast-paced commercial environment, the organisation partners with major retailers, foodservice providers and manufacturing customers worldwide. With a well-established portfolio of recognised consumer and B2B brands, the business continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and long-term growth.
The company offers a collaborative, commercially driven culture and a modern flexible working environment.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join a global legal team in a high-impact role supporting UK and international operations.
This position will partner closely with senior business stakeholders across commercial, marketing, procurement, innovation and sustainability functions, providing pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice that enables business growth while managing risk effectively.
The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of autonomy, acting as a trusted advisor across a broad range of legal and regulatory matters in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering & Advisory
- Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior stakeholders across UK and international business units.
- Partner closely with commercial teams to provide timely, practical and commercially focused legal support.
- Support innovation and marketing teams on product launches, campaigns and business initiatives.
Commercial Contracts
- Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements including sales, procurement, distribution, digital, media and professional services contracts.
- Support complex negotiations while balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve contracting processes, templates and ways of working.
Risk & Compliance
- Advise on legal and regulatory developments impacting the FMCG and consumer goods sector.
- Translate complex legal issues into clear and actionable business guidance.
- Support compliance programmes across areas such as data privacy, competition law, ESG, anti-bribery and cyber security.
- Assist with governance frameworks and risk management initiatives.
Disputes & Issue Management
- Manage disputes, litigation and settlement negotiations alongside external counsel where required.
- Take a proactive approach to issue resolution to minimise business disruption and legal exposure.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years' PQE.
- Strong experience advising on commercial contracts.
- Previous in-house experience preferred, ideally within FMCG, food, beverage or consumer sectors.
- Experience with marketing and advertising compliance would be advantageous.
Skills & Attributes
- Commercially astute with strong business partnering capabilities.
- Confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Able to communicate complex legal matters clearly and pragmatically.
- Collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
- Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of matters.
Working Arrangements
This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation of approximately two days per week in the office. The position is based in Staffordshire.
