At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and governance for Footasylum while managing risk in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join Footasylum, a dynamic brand at the forefront of retail innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to mentor a legal team and influence major business decisions.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping legal strategies that drive business success.
- 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 being the senior legal leader for Footasylum, responsible for overseeing all legal, governance, and compliance across the business. 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 in Manchester 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, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere, fostering both professional and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional General Counsel in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal and retail sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Footasylum’s values and recent developments. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our growth. Tailor your responses to reflect our focus on collaboration and communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in retail law and corporate governance makes you the perfect fit for the General Counsel role. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your passion and expertise shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Footasylum team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional General Counsel in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in retail, consumer law, and corporate governance to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you embody our values of Collaboration, Communication & Challenge. Share specific examples of how you've supported senior leadership and managed legal risks in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and influenced decision-making in fast-paced environments. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor others and manage external legal advisers effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Footasylum.
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 compliance and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring abilities. Since this role involves leading an in-house legal team, demonstrating how you've developed others or influenced senior leadership will be key.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Footasylum’s commercial objectives and recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how you can support their growth strategy through legal insight will show that you're not just a lawyer, but a strategic partner.
✨Embrace Collaboration and Communication
Footasylum values collaboration and communication, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner will resonate well.
