Wanted: General Counsel (12m FTC)

Position Overview: We’re on a mission to rid the world of boring average tasting coffee, and we need a maternity cover for our General Counsel to help us with our ambitious expansion plans. We are looking for an experienced leader to run our small but mighty legal function. In this role you will contribute hands-on to scaling the business, provide strategic legal advice to the Board, SLT and wider teams, help us manage compliance and take calculated risks as we continue to expand, and guide us as we work towards our business objectives. This is a great opportunity to work for a dynamic retail company, in a broad and impactful role.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop the legal team, a pivotal business partner and functional centre of excellence within the organisation.
• Be a trusted advisor to the board and senior management on legal risk and mitigation strategies, and legal implications of business decisions.
• Develop and execute the legal team’s strategy, dovetailing with the wider business strategic pillars, objectives and values.
• Manage and oversee all legal areas including commercial, compliance, data protection, AI, litigation, employment, IP, corporate governance and company secretarial.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Handle dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain the group’s intellectual property portfolio to ensure protection across all current and future markets.
• Maintain and enhance the full suite of corporate template agreements including franchise agreements, supplier agreements, NDAs, letters, and notices.
• Implement legal policies and procedures to safeguard the organisation.
• Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory and sectoral developments.
• Educate and deliver engaging training to internal teams on relevant changes.
• Manage external legal counsel relationships and budgets.
• Embrace legal technology and continue to improve legal operations, processes and systems.

Requirements:

• Qualified lawyer with a minimum of 8-10 years post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience in a senior in-house legal role in a medium/large UK retail or FMCG company (or similar).
• Strong understanding of broad range of legal areas, particularly in corporate, commercial, employment, and consumer protection.
• Experience of franchising and property law would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, influencing and leadership skills.
• Positive and collaborative approach.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal risks with business objectives.
• Energised by managing and prioritising a large number of competing demands.

Desirable:

• Experience with US companies and US law is a plus.

About Black Sheep Coffee: Join the thriving team at Black Sheep Coffee, the rapidly expanding 4th largest coffee chain in the UK. With our sights set on further growth, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of our success story. Since our establishment in 2013, we have captivated coffee lovers with our commitment to quality and innovation. As a testament to our dedication, we have risen to become one of the leading players in the UK coffee scene. With our continuous expansion plans, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to contribute to our upward trajectory and be part of our ambitious journey towards shaping the future of the coffee industry. We foster a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a passion for excellence, we provide a supportive platform for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact.