In-House Counsel

We're looking for an In-House Counsel to join our Group Legal team, based from our Solihull office.

Reporting to the Group Legal function, you'll provide commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of business activities, supporting colleagues across Sales, Aftersales, Finance, HR, Operations, Compliance and senior leadership teams.

Unlike many in-house legal roles, this position offers exceptional breadth. You'll gain exposure to commercial contracts, corporate transactions, governance, regulatory compliance, dispute management and strategic business projects, whilst developing as a trusted adviser within a growing organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer looking to broaden their experience, develop strong commercial acumen and build meaningful relationships across a diverse and evolving business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Advisory

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice on a wide range of operational and business matters.
• Support stakeholders across the organisation in making informed decisions while effectively managing legal risk.
• Assist senior members of the Legal team on more complex or strategic projects and matters.
• Interpret and communicate legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.

Commercial Contracts

• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including supplier agreements, service contracts, customer contracts and confidentiality agreements.
• Support the management and maintenance of contract templates and related legal documentation.
• Ensure contractual arrangements remain aligned with legal, regulatory and business requirements.
• Help streamline and improve contract management processes across the Group.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Provide legal support across regulatory and compliance matters, including FCA requirements, Consumer Duty and data protection legislation.
• Work closely with Compliance and Risk teams to ensure legal and regulatory obligations are effectively managed.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise stakeholders on relevant changes.
• Support the business in maintaining strong governance and risk management practices.

Disputes & Risk Management

• Assist with the management of legal disputes, customer complaints and pre-litigation matters.
• Liaise with external legal advisers where appropriate.
• Support the identification and mitigation of legal risks across the business.
• Help develop practical solutions that balance legal protection with commercial objectives.

Corporate Activities & Strategic Projects

• Support acquisitions, disposals, restructures and wider strategic initiatives.
• Assist with legal due diligence, transaction documentation and project delivery.
• Ensure legal considerations are embedded within business decisions from an early stage.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that support the Group's continued growth.

Governance, Policies & Training

• Support the development and maintenance of legal policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Assist in creating guidance materials and legal resources for the wider business.
• Deliver or support legal awareness training for colleagues and managers.
• Promote best practice and increased legal understanding across the organisation.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We're looking for an ambitious lawyer with strong technical legal expertise, excellent commercial judgement and a genuine interest in developing their career in-house.

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or equivalent.
• Approximately 0-3 years' PQE, or equivalent relevant legal experience.
• Strong grounding in commercial law and contract drafting.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Ability to communicate legal advice clearly and pragmatically to non-legal stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to balance risk and business objectives.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident working independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Desirable

• Previous experience within an in-house legal team.
• Exposure to corporate transactions, acquisitions or restructuring activity.
• Knowledge of FCA regulation, Consumer Duty or other regulated environments.
• Experience working within automotive retail, financial services or similar commercial sectors.
• Exposure to governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Experience partnering with senior business stakeholders across multiple functions.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & APPROACH

We're looking for someone who combines strong legal capability with a practical, solution-focused mindset.

You'll be naturally collaborative, able to build trusted relationships across the business and comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels. You'll enjoy understanding how the business operates and take a proactive approach to helping colleagues navigate legal challenges.

Most importantly, you'll be commercially aware, intellectually curious and motivated by the opportunity to develop as a long-term legal adviser within a growing and acquisitive organisation.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

You'll become a trusted legal partner to stakeholders across the Group, providing pragmatic advice that supports commercial decision-making while appropriately managing risk.

You'll help strengthen legal governance, contribute to successful business projects and play an important role in supporting the Group's continued growth and development.

As Athenea evolves, you'll grow alongside the business, developing broad in-house legal experience and helping shape the legal function of a modern, ambitious automotive retail group.