UK - Senior Legal Counsel (London)

Who We Are: At Inchcape Shipping Services, our vision is to create a connected world where customers can trade successfully and make informed decisions in every port, everywhere. We achieve this by combining our worldwide infrastructure with local expertise, through our global network of more than 250 proprietary offices and a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals. Our diverse customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container, and bulk commodity sectors, as well as naval, government, and intergovernmental organisations.

Role Summary: We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our team in London. The Senior Legal Counsel will support the GGCC and legal team in implementing, aligning, standardising and developing global Legal process and procedures, to ensure governance, efficiency and cost effectiveness. They will also ensure the Company and its employees maintain and promote the highest standards of legal compliance.

The main areas of work competence will be: Corporate, M&A, complex international contracting, contentious dispute resolution and negotiation.

Contract: Permanent

Location: London, Lloyds Avenue (Hybrid)

In line with company policy, Inchcape does not provide visa sponsorship for candidates and cannot consider applicants who will require this now or in the future.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate and timely counsel to management on a variety of legal topics.
• Project manage legal work flows for Group M&A projects, including the procurement and management of outside counsel.
• Lead on review and drafting of commercial contracts across the Group (including customer agreements, vendor agreements, IT supplier agreements, intra-group agreements, joint venture agreements etc).
• Develop modern options to drive efficiencies via the use of “legal AI” for contract review and management.
• Review and advise on commercial contracts according to the Company’s role/business model as a port agent and appropriate risk v. reward.
• Ensure escalation of commercial contract issues to management as set out in the Group’s contracting principles.
• Participate in Group projects/strategy (compliance with contracting principles, review/analysis of existing commercial contracts, Group transformation etc).
• Support the Contract Manager and Paralegal on matters for discussion/escalation arising from review of commercial contracts, where required.
• Maintain contract templates together with the Contract Manager and Paralegal.
• Assist the GGCC with advising on legal disputes across the Group and liaising with insurers/external lawyers as required.
• Take responsibility for monthly and quarterly cycles of litigation claims reporting.
• Own the Legal policies portfolio and ensure policies are up to date and relevant.
• Provide appropriate training on policies and procedures.
• Assist the GGCC with liaising with external trademark attorney regarding the Group’s trademarks portfolio.

Who You Are:

• Qualified lawyer in the UK with at least 5+ years post qualification experience.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of relevant laws and regulations (e.g. UK Bribery Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act).
• Extensive in-house legal counsel experience for an international corporate business.
• Experience of leading on commercial contracts i.e. being the in-house SME and or seeking external expertise counsel as required.
• Proven experience of stakeholder management partnering with senior members of the Company.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals across business and/or functional lines.
• Ability to communicate with senior stakeholders and global management teams.
• Team management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally.
• Must have strong decision making and analytical abilities.
• Excellent conciliation and communication skills.
• Ability to think out of the box and act pragmatically to solve legal complications.
• Shipping sector experience advantageous but not required.

You Will Receive:

• A competitive salary and car allowance.
• Private medical care (self and family).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee discount scheme for retail/travel/leisure.
• Life assurance cover.
• Remote GP and second medical opinion service which gives you, and your family members that live in the same household, timely access to medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Contributory company pension scheme.
• Full Employee Assistance Programme including access to care support covering work, family, relationships, money and health.
• Team building days.
• Plus, much more!

Why Inchcape Shipping Services? We believe in building a diverse and high-performing workforce, that works together to provide our customers with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realise the value of our staff and know that your unique experiences, skills, and passions will help you to build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry. Our values are at the centre of everything we do, and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these: Global Perspective- we connect the world and see the bigger picture. The Power of People- we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships. Progress- we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry.

Inchcape is an Equal Opportunities Employer - equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a diverse society, we recognise that our customers, colleagues, and contractors are central to our success.

Additional Information: Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending upon your geographical location. To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.