At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial contracts while advising on legal matters across various business functions.
- Company: Join Sysco, the world's largest foodservice distributor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical cover, flexible time off, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and to mentor junior team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal team supporting diverse projects across Europe.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong contract negotiation skills and excellent commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Commercial Legal Counsel
Competitive salary, excellent benefits and career development opportunities.
Sysco is the world's largest foodservice distributor.
In Great Britain and Ireland, our businesses serve thousands of customers across the hospitality, leisure, education, healthcare and public sectors.
As part of a global organisation, the Legal Team plays an important role in supporting the growth of our businesses in Europe by negotiating commercial contracts, managing risk and generally acting as a business partner to our commercial and functional colleagues across the markets in which we operate.
The team operates as part of the global legal and public affairs team, reporting to the EVP and Chief Legal Officer.
The role
We are looking for a qualified solicitor with substantial experience gained in private practice, in‑house, or a combination of both.
You will have strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, coupled with excellent commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
While candidates with experience broadly equivalent to 3–7 years' PQE are likely to possess the skills required for this role, applications will be considered from all candidates who can demonstrate the necessary experience and competencies.
The role is based in Ashford, Kent, operating under a hybrid working model, with occasional travel to other UK locations as required.
This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of matters across the Sysco businesses in Great Britain and Ireland, while also supporting European and International projects.
You will work directly with colleagues across commercial, operational, procurement, supply chain, technology, finance and HR functions, providing practical and commercially focused legal advice.
You will be trusted to manage your own matters whilst working as part of a collaborative legal team that values pragmatic advice, strong stakeholder relationships and continuous improvement.
In addition to providing legal support on day‑to‑day commercial matters, you will play an active role in helping the team to evolve its processes, tools and ways of working to ensure we continue to deliver an efficient, high‑quality and commercially focused service to the business.
You will also act as an important point of contact for more junior members of the team, helping to support their development, share knowledge and foster a collaborative team culture.
Key responsibilities
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including customer contracts, supplier agreements, technology contracts, services agreements, confidentiality agreements and terms and conditions.
- Advise stakeholders across the business on legal, commercial and regulatory matters affecting the organisation.
- Support strategic projects and business initiatives across Great Britain and Ireland and, where required, across Europe and other International jurisdictions.
- Work closely with commercial, operational, supply chain and technology teams to identify and manage legal risk whilst supporting business objectives.
- Develop strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the business.
- Act as a key contact for more junior members of the Legal Team, providing guidance, sharing knowledge and supporting their professional development.
- Support the development and delivery of legal training, compliance initiatives and legal know-how across the business.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of legal processes, templates, contract management systems and legal technology solutions.
- Identify opportunities to improve the delivery of legal services to the business and help drive continuous improvement within the Legal Team.
- Manage disputes and potential disputes at an early stage, working closely with business stakeholders to achieve practical and commercially appropriate resolutions and escalating matters where appropriate.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments and help ensure the business remains informed of relevant changes.
- Work collaboratively with members of the Legal Team and provide support across a broad range of legal matters as priorities evolve.
- Have the opportunity to support corporate transactions and strategic projects, including acquisitions and business integration activities.
- Have the opportunity to assist with data protection, privacy, property, treasury and tax‑related matters, working alongside more senior members of the Legal Team and external advisers where appropriate.
About you
You will be a qualified solicitor with experience gained in private practice, in‑house, or a combination of both.
You will have strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, coupled with excellent commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
You will have: Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
Excellent commercial judgement and a practical approach to problem solving.
The ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience working with, or advising, a range of business functions.
The ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
An interest in developing both people and processes, with a proactive approach to improving how legal services are delivered to the business.
The confidence to provide guidance and support to more junior colleagues.
A collaborative approach and the ability to work autonomously when required.
A commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
Experience of supporting multinational businesses or working on cross-border matters would be advantageous but is not essential.
- What you will receive
- Car/ Travel Allowance: £5500 per annum
- Private Medical: Single Cover
- Early Access to Your Earnings: Use our dedicated Wage Stream app to access your earned salary whenever you need it, helping you manage your finances with ease and confidence.
- Flexible Time Off: Take advantage of the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Comprehensive Wellbeing & Health
Support: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support, 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, flu vaccinations, eye tests and a wide range of health services for you and your family.
- Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan designed to help you plan long term.
- Life Assurance: Peace of mind with life assurance coverage designed to protect you and your loved ones.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to Sysco Perks, where you’ll find discounts on everything from gym memberships to your weekly grocery shop.
- Special Sysco Product Discounts: Get the chance to purchase our food products at significantly reduced prices.
- Free Mortgage Advice: Navigate the property market with confidence thanks to complimentary expert mortgage guidance.
- Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave: Our policies support you through important life moments, offering greater flexibility and care for you and your family.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Legal Counsel in Ashford employer: Doist
Brink's is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to drive global commercial strategies in the ATM lifecycle solutions sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, employees are encouraged to expand their skills while contributing to sustainable growth and operational excellence. Located in a dynamic environment, Brink's offers unique advantages such as a diverse team and the chance to build long-term partnerships with global customers, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Ashford
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Doist, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Doist, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Doist and the specific role of Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Doist’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Doist
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Doist.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Doist.
