At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support for a fast-growing retail business in the energy sector.
- Company: Join EET Retail, part of Essar Energy Transition, driving innovation in fuel and convenience retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and build legal awareness in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape legal frameworks that enhance customer experience and drive commercial growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 6-10 years’ PQE and strong experience in commercial contracting and consumer law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Stanlow Manufacturing Complex, Ellesmere Port
Employment Type: Site Based Full Time Role 5 days per week Monday-Friday
About The Company
EET Retail, a dedicated retail division of EET Fuels, focused on supplying fuel to and operating an expanding network of Essar-branded service stations across the UK. We are part of Essar Energy Transition supporting energy transition in the UK covering refining, infrastructure, hydrogen and power generation.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Commercial Legal Counsel (6–10 PQE) to join our Retail legal team, supporting a fast-scaling, consumer-facing business at the intersection of energy, FMCG, and convenience retail. Our forecourts are evolving into modern, multi-service retail hubs, combining fuel, food, leading consumer brands, and everyday services — delivering fuel, convenience and community, all in one stop. This role offers genuine ownership and visibility, with responsibility for shaping legal frameworks that directly impact customer experience, brand partnerships, and commercial growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key legal advisor to senior stakeholders across Retail business covering Marketing, BD, Operations, and Digital
- Provide strategic, commercially focused input on business initiatives, expansion, and customer propositions
- Operate with a high degree of autonomy
- Commercial Contracting Leadership
- Lead negotiation and management of complex agreements including supply, distribution, procurement and partnership contracts
- Negotiating Fuel Supply Agreements for dealer owned and dealer operated (DODO) sites
- Support brand, concession, and FMCG partnerships
- Drive best practice contracting and efficiency improvements
- Marketing, Promotions & Consumer Law
- Advise on advertising, campaigns, promotions and pricing strategies
- Ensure compliance with consumer law, advertising standards, and trading regulations
- Support promotional campaigns and T&Cs
- Retail Operations & Customer Experience
- Provide legal support across multi-service retail environments
- Advise on consumer-facing terms, complaints, and customer journey risks
- Brand, IP & Partnerships
- Support brand protection, licensing, and partnerships
- Advise on loyalty card schemes
- Product launches and services
- Network Growth & Property
- Work with in-housing dedicated Senior Property Counsel in supporting network expansion through Company Leased and Company Owned sites and any issues arising from ongoing sites
- Governance & Risk
- Maintain compliance frameworks and governance standards
- Provide advice on competition, consumer law, and data/privacy
- Mentor junior colleagues and build legal awareness
About You
- Qualified Solicitor (E&W) 6–10 years’ PQE
- Experience in FMCG, retail, or consumer sectors (in a petrol forecourt business would be desirable but not essential)
- Strong commercial contracting and consumer law experience
- Confident stakeholder manager with a commercial mindset
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 10% company contribution pension
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service
- Private medical insurance
- Additional flex benefits, including holiday purchase
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme with exclusive access to a range of discounts
- Free secure on-site car parking
Application Process
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK. This vacancy will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks and will remain open to applications until an offer has been made and accepted. Therefore, the vacancy may close at any time after 26/06/2026, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.
Commercial Legal Counsel in Ellesmere Port employer: EET Fuels
EET Retail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive salaries, generous benefits including a 10% pension contribution and private medical insurance, and a culture that values autonomy and strategic input. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is shaping the future of energy and retail, while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Counsel in Ellesmere Port
✨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 EET Fuels, 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
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Counsel in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at EET Fuels, 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 EET Fuels and the specific role of Commercial 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 EET Fuels’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at EET Fuels
✨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 EET Fuels.
✨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 EET Fuels.