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: Fast-paced environment with strong leadership and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a leading retail brand.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years in retail or consumer law.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a General Counsel to be 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.
Senior Retail General Counsel (Fractional) in Manchester employer: Gofractional
Footasylum is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and dynamic work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the retail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, including mentoring opportunities for aspiring legal professionals, Footasylum offers a vibrant environment in Greater Manchester where strategic legal leadership meets fast-paced retail innovation. Join us to be part of a team that values communication, challenge, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Retail General Counsel (Fractional) in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Footasylum. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience in retail law and governance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled legal challenges in fast-paced environments. This will show them you’re the real deal!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by thinking about how your skills align with Footasylum’s values of Collaboration, Communication & Challenge. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, so you can impress the Executive Team when it counts.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Footasylum team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Retail General Counsel (Fractional) 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 law and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Retail General Counsel role. Share specific examples of how you've managed legal risks and supported business growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a legal team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others or led projects that align with Footasylum's values of Collaboration, Communication & Challenge.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our 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 compliance and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring abilities. Since this role involves leading the in-house legal team, demonstrating how you've successfully guided others will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Footasylum’s commercial objectives and recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how you can support their growth strategy while managing legal risks 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 discuss how you've worked effectively with executive teams and boards in the past. Highlight your ability to provide pragmatic legal advice that aligns with business goals.
