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Senior Legal Counsel

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Legal
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You need expertise in TMT and SaaS contracts, strong commercial acumen, senior stakeholder advising skills, solicitor qualification, and prior in-house experience in FMCG or grocery.
  • You will lead commercial contract support, partner with key business areas, advise on legal implications and regulatory risks, and manage disputes and settlements.

Requirements

  • Extensive knowledge and expertise in technology and TMT; SaaS contracts, Framework and Master Service Agreements, Statements of Work, Licence Agreements, Support and Maintenance Agreements etc.
  • Ability to forge and develop strong business partnering relationships across the business with a strong sense of commerciality.
  • Confidence in advising a variety of stakeholders up to a senior level (e.g. Director level) in a fast-paced environment, and with excellent communication and influencing skills.
  • Qualified solicitor in England and Wales or equivalent commonwealth jurisdiction.
  • Some previous in-house experience (including secondments), ideally within a Grocery retailer or FMCG company. This role is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting a career in a well-respected and high achieving in-house legal team with a high degree of responsibility and autonomy.

Responsibilities

  • Leading support for a broad range of strategic commercial contracts, particularly technology and IT contracts; goods and services (procurement/not for resale); financial services; and franchise (UK and International).
  • Leading on business partnering for the following business areas: Digital & Technology, Procurement, Banking/Financial Services, UK and International Franchise, Corporate Governance and others based on business demands.
  • Work in close partnership with those key business areas to build a relationship of trust and confidence; to understand business and customer needs; support on strategic projects for growth; and act as a true business partner.
  • Advise on the legal implications, constraints and opportunities of existing strategic contracts, including making judgements on key commercial disputes and the viability of litigation and commercial settlements.
  • Advise at a high level on regulatory risks relevant to the company’s supplier relationships and contracts (e.g. Data Protection, Competition law and the Grocery Supply Code of Practice).

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title for this position is Senior Legal Counsel.

What teams will the Senior Legal Counsel be working with?

The Senior Legal Counsel will be covering the Technology and Commercial portfolios and will work closely with key business areas such as Digital & Technology, Procurement, Banking/Financial Services, and Corporate Governance.

What are the main responsibilities of the Senior Legal Counsel?

The main responsibilities include leading support for strategic commercial contracts, advising on legal implications and regulatory risks, working in partnership with business areas, and managing relationships with external providers.

What qualifications are required for the Senior Legal Counsel position?

Candidates must be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales or equivalent commonwealth jurisdiction, with extensive knowledge in technology and TMT, and some previous in-house experience, ideally within a grocery retailer or FMCG company.

What benefits are offered to employees in this role?

Benefits include a 20% colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement, a discretionary bonus scheme, a generous pension and life assurance scheme, well-being support, and a charity volunteer day, among others.

How many days a week is the team expected to be in the office?

The team is expected to be in the office three days a week.

Is previous in-house experience mandatory for this position?

Some previous in-house experience is preferred but not strictly mandatory; however, it is ideal if candidates have experience within a grocery retailer or FMCG company.

What skills are necessary for success in this role?

Necessary skills include the ability to forge strong business relationships, confidence in advising senior stakeholders, and excellent communication and influencing skills.

Are there opportunities for career development in this role?

Yes, there are tailored induction and a wide range of training programs offered to develop skills and support career progression.

Is Marks & Spencer committed to diversity and inclusion in their hiring process?

Yes, Marks & Spencer is committed to building diverse and representative teams, and they strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.

Forward thinking, future-focused and digital-first retail

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1884
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We hold ourselves to a very high standard here at M&S. That much has never changed. Our attention to detail, forward thinking and passion for improvement has led to the creation of some of the nation’s most loved products. But a rapidly changing world demands that we change along with it. M&S has been at the forefront of social change for the past 134 years, and we’re determined to keep it that way. Setting bolder goals and giving our people the space and resources to achieve them. Today, we are a unique retailer delivering top quality food, clothing, home products and financial services. We employ over 80,000 colleagues who serve over 32 million customers. But what about tomorrow? We’ve put customer-focused digital innovation at the heart of our business, partnering with world-class technology firms to help shape the retail experience of the future. From digital transformation to empowering people to make a positive impact on wellbeing, communities and the planet, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. Because if you become part of our journey today, you’ll be shaping the very future of our business.

Benefits

  • Colleague Discount

    Receive 20% discounts in-store for you and members of your household

  • Bonus

    We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance

  • Pay

    Our salaries are competitive and reviewed every year

  • Life Assurance

    Life cover of twice your salary up to age 70 which is double when you join your M&S pension savings plan