BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi‑category business. Our purpose is to create a Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey – tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together.
Role Summary
The area counsel in Marketing, Compliance and Corporate Functions in Western Europe will advise on legal matters with multi‑jurisdictional impact across Western Europe and act as a business partner to area functions, contributing to the strategic development and implementation of sustainable business strategies aligned with BAT’s objectives. The role will counsel the Area Compliance and Legal Operations team, ensuring timely legal advice throughout the business.
Accountabilities
- Support the Area Senior Counsel in strategic leadership of all legal and compliance matters across Western Europe, covering governance, employment, litigious (commercial contract, regulatory litigation and tax disputes), corporate, intellectual property, competition law and marketing legal matters.
- Partner with functional teams (Marketing, Finance, CORA, Operations, IDT and HR) to deliver global Legal and Business Integrity & Compliance strategies that support commercial growth objectives.
- Provide comprehensive advice to manage legal risk, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and BAT policies, and factoring legal and reputational considerations in decision making.
- Implement global, regional and area legal strategies, managing law firms and other third‑party suppliers effectively.
- Engage End Market/Cluster Legal teams to enhance operational efficiency in legal advice delivery.
- Propose innovative solutions to improve efficiencies and working practices, supporting effective management of compliance risks and embedding the Group’s compliance strategy.
- Support management of commercial and strategic litigation in collaboration with the central litigation team, mitigating potential financial and reputational impact.
- Provide strategic counselling on marketing activities, product compliance, and general corporate and commercial matters, including agreements and regulatory matters.
- Build multi‑functional relationships to share information and resources in pursuit of business objectives.
- Contribute to the development and mentoring of junior team members where applicable.
Experience Required
- Qualified lawyer with 4+ years’ experience in commercial and corporate practice (in‑house or private practice) and a proven track record of advising on legal and regulatory matters.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to plan, anticipate, and prioritise to optimise output.
- Ability to influence and gain buy‑in from senior management, peers and juniors.
- Highly articulate, confident individual with excellent written communication and drafting skills.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Hands‑on, adaptable, pro‑active attitude, sound commercial judgment, and ability to work under pressure.
- Experience with legal regulatory frameworks is strongly preferred, e.g., Tobacco, Food, Pharma or FMCG.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Thinks strategically and acts commercially.
- Shapes and executes strategy.
- Learns quickly and is agile.
- Collaborates and influences.
- Focuses on creative innovations in the provision of legal services.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Qualified lawyer (European jurisdiction preferred or demonstrated experience of counselling European markets).
- Experience in counselling clients on a wide range of general commercial issues, preferably in a regulated industry.
Beneficial
- Experience with regulatory frameworks in Tobacco, Food, Pharma or FMCG.
- Experience working in a multinational company or international environment.
What We Offer You
- A market‑leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
- Diverse health plans, work‑life balance initiatives, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
- Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes for leadership development.
- Continuous improvement focus within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
Equal Employment Opportunity
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to supporting you by making appropriate arrangements so you can demonstrate your full potential.
