At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as the primary legal partner, managing contracts and mitigating risks for a leading multinational.
- Company: Join a top-tier manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, private medical insurance, and generous holiday.
- Other info: 6-9 month fixed term contract with opportunities for mentorship and leadership.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor, influencing strategic decisions and driving commercial growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK Solicitor or Barrister with experience in commercial law and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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
Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m) employer: DS Smith
Join a leading multinational manufacturing business as a Senior Legal Counsel in the UK & Ireland, where you will play a pivotal role in driving commercial growth and providing strategic legal guidance. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for professional growth. With competitive benefits including a car allowance and private medical insurance, we offer a rewarding environment that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m)
✨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
Practice your negotiation skills! You’ll likely be asked about your approach to drafting and negotiating contracts. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex legal situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel — UK & Ireland (Hybrid, 6–9m)
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 Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage legal risks and lead teams effectively. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, especially in manufacturing or industrial settings.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence high-level decision-making. Think about times when your legal advice directly contributed to business growth or risk mitigation, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a legal resource, come prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've mentored others or led teams, and 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.
