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- Tasks: Provide practical legal advice and manage commercial contracts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Howdens, a leading FTSE 100 trade kitchen supplier with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, excellent pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while building relationships and developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: UK qualified solicitor with at least 2 years PQE and commercial contract experience.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are on the lookout for a bright enthusiastic lawyer to join a small legal team at the heart of Howdens, a fast-moving FTSE 100 business. You will be entrusted with real responsibility from the start: both for delivering great practical legal advice and building your own relationships - whether that is with our exec team or our dynamic depot managers. The role is varied. Depending on previous experience and your own interests, you will cover everything from commercial contracts and logistics to marketing, data protection, and IP. We want you to be an integrated part of our business. This is an initial 12-month FTC based at our Raunds office in Northamptonshire.
What you will be doing as a Legal Counsel at Howdens:
- You will work alongside the Head of Legal, Senior Legal Counsel, and Solicitor Apprentice to proactively support and protect the business.
- Draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements across the business including high-value strategic contracts.
- Advise on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, marketing, IP, and much more.
- Manage Howdens' intellectual property portfolio ensuring brand strategy is fit for purpose and protects Howdens' future ambitions.
- Work on cross-functional projects relating to innovation and new products.
- Assist with data protection queries and raise awareness of AI and data protection matters within the business, particularly in relation to commercial contracts.
- Build on your knowledge of legal issues and share this with the legal team and the wider business.
- Provide training and support to legal team members.
- Help keep the legal function efficient, agile, and fit for the future.
- Become part of the Howdens culture, participate in and provide training, social events, and corporate initiatives.
- Be an advocate for the Howdens business and promote the Howdens values.
What we are looking for from you:
- UK (or equivalent) qualified solicitor with at least 2 years PQE or equivalent and relevant commercial contracts drafting and negotiating experience; this is essential as it will be at least 50% of the role.
- In-house experience (or via secondment); you need to know how to work within a commercial business.
- Relationship builder; Howdens is built on the strong relationships between its depots and its trade customers.
- Authenticity, integrity, and the ability to gain trust quickly.
- Comfortable with working at pace, adapting to whatever the day brings, and taking responsibility.
- Creative; you will need to ask questions, provide practical/legally compliant solutions, reassess priorities against competing deadlines, regulatory changes, and conflicting commercial needs.
About Howdens:
As the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, Howdens proudly supports over trade professionals through our network of 850 depots. As a constituent of the FTSE 100 and with sales of £2.3 billion in 2024, we continue to expand offering exciting opportunities for growth in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary and car allowance.
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%).
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Staff Discount.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events.
How to apply:
If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you. When you apply, you will need to attach a CV. Good luck with your application. Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We are working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location and we will be happy to help you.
Legal Counsel in England employer: Howdens Joinery Co.
Contact Detail:
Howdens Joinery Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Howdens on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Howdens' recent projects and challenges in the legal space. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your relationship-building skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've built trust and collaborated with teams. Remember, Howdens values strong relationships, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Howdens family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your commercial contracts experience and any in-house work you've done, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Tell us why you want to join Howdens and how you can contribute to our dynamic team.
Showcase Relationship-Building Skills: Since building relationships is crucial at Howdens, mention specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in your previous roles. We love to see authenticity and integrity!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery Co.
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, data protection, and IP law. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated these areas. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in a practical setting.
✨Build Relationships
Since Howdens values strong relationships, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've built trust and collaborated with colleagues or clients in previous roles. This will highlight your fit within their team-oriented culture.
✨Be Adaptable
The role requires someone who can work at pace and adapt to changing priorities. During the interview, share instances where you've successfully managed competing deadlines or adapted to unexpected challenges. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Show Your Creative Problem-Solving Skills
Howdens is looking for someone who can provide practical solutions to legal issues. Think of a time when you faced a complex legal problem and how you approached it creatively. Discussing this will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box while remaining compliant with regulations.
