Legal Counsel, Vapour, Marketing Legal in London

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!

The Global Legal Counsel is responsible for advising and supporting the global Vapour team as a trusted business partner and acting as a Centre of Expertise (CoE) to Central, Regional, DRBU and End Market Legal teams. Global Legal Counsel will support the Vapour team with legal advice on global marketing activities such as new product development, marketing content, activations and creative campaigns, gathering and utilising category/brand specific insights and foresights, category claims.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide legal support relevant to the Marketing function’s strategic direction, development of the portfolio and brand and marketing communications, including:
• Identifying and supporting the mitigation of legal risk in proposed and operational Marketing activities (including category specific consumer experience activities) including responsible marketing, Underage Access Prevention, intellectual property, data protection, consumer protection, competition, Marketing Research Guidelines, Social Listening Guidelines and compliance risks;
• Fully utilising the wider expertise within Corporate and Commercial Counselling and other Legal and CORA teams to the benefit of the business; and being a key contributor to specific projects in their category.
• Actively participate in key Category and cross-functional forums to provide legal input and support business decision-making.
• Delivering high quality, solution-orientated advice and guidance on all aspects of legal assessments, reviews, category specific consumer engagement initiatives, category / brand insights and foresights initiatives and approvals for global marketing activities;
• Deliver all Marketing Legal workstreams promptly, track progress in relevant systems, and provide timely, acknowledged responses to legal support requests.
• Understand stakeholders’ key demands and perspectives, ensuring good stakeholder engagement and management practice to meet their needs.
• Good judgement as to when to inform stakeholders of potential or existing problems or issues and keep them updated on actions taken.
• Provide commercially focused advice on key legal and regulatory issues in a straightforward and compelling way directly to internal and external stakeholders, enabling the business to deliver results whilst managing legal, regulatory and other risks.
• Analyse regulatory proposals and legislation and counsel Marketing alongside CORA in identifying and mitigating future regulatory risks, including identifying operational impacts on the sale and marketing of BAT’s products.
• As appropriate and in order to inform global advice, in conjunction with End Market Legal counsel and external legal advisors, carry out reviews of Advertising and Consumer Protection Laws in key markets to understand obligations pertaining to the marketing and sale of BAT’s products.
• Create a healthy, engaged, diverse and inclusive working environment within the wider Marketing Legal and Corporate Commercial teams.
• Role model our BAT Values (Truly inclusive, Stronger together, Do the right thing, Love our consumer, Passion to win and Empowered through trust).

What are we looking for?

• Qualified lawyer (likely to be 6+ PQE years or equivalent) with experience in international commercial and regulatory law.
• Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience of laws, regulations and practices governing product, marketing, consumer protection and other aspects relevant to regulated sectors, coupled with an ability to understand and navigate the legal and regulatory considerations impacting industry opportunities, risks and compliance obligations.
• Awareness of legal issues relating to data privacy, competition and IP to enable potential issues to be identified at an early stage of an initiative, and an understanding of legal duty of care issues in the context of product liability.
• Experienced in navigating and advising business stakeholders on legal and commercial risks associated with marketing activities for relevant product groups.
• Combine a blend of legal expertise, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving.
• Excel in collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning – being effective in building relationships and adding value.
• Work across a variety of issues demonstrating prioritisation, pragmatic solution-orientated advice and sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to work independently under pressure and to cope with unexpected and varied demands whilst highlighting points for wider awareness/escalation.

BENEFICIAL

• Experience in FMCG, heavily regulated industries, technology, digital marketing environment and/or retail is a plus.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations.
• Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together.
• Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

• We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
• At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values.
• We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles.
• We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
• We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply.
• Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
• Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT.
• Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
• We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer.
• If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for.
• We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.