At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and governance for Footasylum, ensuring compliance and managing risks.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail brand focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to mentor a legal team and influence major business decisions.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the legal landscape of a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years in retail or consumer law and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The role involves overseeing all legal, governance, and compliance across Footasylum. Operating as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Board, the role supports Footasylum’s commercial objectives while managing legal risk across retail operations, e-commerce, supply chain, brand protection, and international growth. This role blends strategic counsel with hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, consumer-focused retail environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead corporate governance for Footasylum, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and shareholder requirements.
- Act as principal legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
- Identify, manage and mitigate legal and regulatory risk across the business.
- Provide pragmatic, commercial legal advice aligned to Footasylum's growth and brand strategy.
- Support major strategic initiatives including store expansion, partnerships, acquisitions, and international development.
- Embed legal insight early into business planning and decision-making.
- Oversee Board processes, including resolutions, policies, and reporting.
- Maintain effective risk management frameworks and legal controls.
- Lead legal support for UK and international retail operations, including store leases, property matters, and landlord negotiation.
- Advise on consumer law, pricing, promotions, returns, and customer complaints.
- Draft, negotiate and manage high-value commercial contracts (suppliers, distributors, logistics, technology, sponsorships).
- Support e-commerce operations, digital platforms, and omnichannel trading.
- Protect and manage Footasylum's intellectual property, including trademarks, branding, and licensing.
- Advise marketing and brand teams on advertising standards, influencer partnerships, sponsorships, and promotions.
- Manage brand risk and reputational issues.
- Ensure compliance with data protection (GDPR), competition law, modern slavery, ESG and sustainability obligations.
- Oversee regulatory relationships and responses where required.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the retail and consumer landscape.
- Lead developing and mentoring the in-house legal team, including personally overseeing an SQE candidate completing their QWE and certifying such steps with the SRA.
- Manage external legal advisers, controlling quality, cost, and risk.
- Deliver efficient, scalable legal processes appropriate for a high-growth retail business.
Skills & Experience Required
- Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with significant post-qualification experience (8 years minimum).
- Strong background in retail, consumer, fashion, or FMCG environments (in-house or top-tier private practice).
- Proven experience advising senior leadership and Boards.
- Commercial, pragmatic mindset with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
- Expertise in commercial contracts, retail law, consumer law, and corporate governance.
- Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, brand-driven environment.
Work Arrangement
This is not a remote role and the expectation is that you will be able to attend Head Office in a hybrid way, in Greater Manchester.
Fractional General Counsel employer: Gofractional
Footasylum is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and dynamic work culture, making it an ideal place for a Fractional General Counsel to thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to lead legal strategy in a fast-paced retail environment while supporting international expansion and brand protection. Located in Greater Manchester, Footasylum provides a vibrant setting where legal professionals can make a meaningful impact on the business's commercial objectives and governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional General Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in retail or consumer law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Footasylum's values and recent developments. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your legal expertise and how it applies to the fast-paced retail environment. We want to see your commercial mindset and how you balance risk with opportunity.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the General Counsel role. Highlight your experience in retail law and governance, and show how your skills align with Footasylum's values of Collaboration, Communication & Challenge.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and influenced decision-making in your previous roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage legal risks while supporting business growth.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Footasylum team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gofractional
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of retail law, consumer law, and corporate governance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Footasylum's needs, especially in areas like e-commerce and brand protection.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring abilities. Since this role involves leading an in-house legal team, think about times you've successfully guided others or managed external advisers.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Footasylum’s commercial objectives and recent initiatives. Being able to speak about their brand strategy and how you can support it will show that you're not just a legal expert but also a strategic partner.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Footasylum values collaboration and communication, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with senior leadership teams in the past. Share specific instances where your advice made a tangible impact on business decisions.
