At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as the primary legal partner, driving strategic decisions and managing legal risks.
- Company: Join a leading multinational manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor to senior leadership and influence high-impact legal strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK Solicitor or Barrister with experience in commercial law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional to join our team as Senior Legal Counsel UK & Ireland. This is a strategic and broad commercial role acting as the primary legal business partner for the UK and Irish arm of our leading multinational manufacturing business with operations encompassing Packaging, Paper, and Recycling. The successful candidate will be a catalyst for commercial growth — moving beyond traditional legal advice to drive pragmatic solutions that enable our business objectives while rigorously managing legal risk. You will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing the expert guidance and oversight required to ensure our UK business operates with excellence and integrity. This is a fixed term contract lasting between 6 - 9 months.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Partnership: Acting as the primary legal partner to UK management teams across three divisions, influencing high-level strategic decision‑making and business‑critical initiatives.
- Commercial Counsel: Lead the drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of complex commercial, sales, and procurement contracts to protect company interests.
- Risk & Compliance: Identify and mitigate legal risks while overseeing UK‑specific regulatory compliance, internal governance, and sensitive investigations.
- Litigation & Disputes: Manage all UK dispute resolution and pre‑litigation matters, including the strategic instruction and cost management of external counsel.
- Team Leadership: Provide direct management and mentorship to a dedicated UK legal resource and contribute to the broader development of the EMEA legal function.
- Cross‑Functional Support: Deliver expert guidance on corporate governance, HSE matters, and data protection, ensuring a cohesive legal approach across the UK business.
About you
- Qualified UK Solicitor or Barrister (or equivalent) with a solid understanding of the UK regulatory landscape.
- Demonstrable experience in commercial law, with a significant background in‑house supporting complex organisations, with knowledge of industrial or manufacturing environments being an added strength.
- Proven ability to interact with and influence senior stakeholders and drive high‑impact legal strategy across multiple business divisions.
- Strong expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts with a pragmatic, solution‑oriented approach.
- Experience in managing direct reports and leading external counsel to ensure high‑quality delivery and cost‑effective spend.
- Highly organised and capable of balancing competing priorities in a fast‑paced, demanding environment.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) – however flexibility will be required at times with the need to travel to different locations around the UK.
Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m) in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith
Join a leading multinational manufacturing business as a Senior Legal Counsel, where you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive culture that encourages professional development and mentorship. Located in the vibrant London Paddington area, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in commercial law or manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This way, you can showcase how your skills as a Senior Legal Counsel can directly contribute to their strategic goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your commercial law expertise and any relevant experience in the manufacturing sector to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive legal strategy. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves team leadership, don’t forget to mention your experience managing direct reports and working with external counsel. We want to see how you can mentor and guide others while delivering high-quality results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK commercial law and the regulatory landscape. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific legal challenges faced by the manufacturing sector, especially in packaging and recycling.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to influence high-level decision-making. Think about times when you've provided legal advice that directly contributed to business growth or mitigated risks, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a legal resource, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you've mentored others or led teams, and highlight how you ensure high-quality delivery while managing costs effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to litigation, compliance, or contract negotiation. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve these issues, showcasing your pragmatic approach.
