Assistant General Counsel

At Sodexo, we recognise that legal expertise is not just a support function-it\’s a strategic driver of business success. As Assistant General Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting our UK operations, navigating complex legal matters, ensuring compliance, and enabling sustainable growth.This is a high-impact position for a commercially minded legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, multinational environment. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, providing expert legal advice on a broad range of issues including commercial contracts, outsourcing, public procurement, and regulatory matters.Your leadership will help shape legal strategy, improve operational efficiency, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability. If you\’re ready to take the next step in your legal career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and purpose-this is your opportunity.Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo CareersMain ResponsibilitiesThis role requires navigating complex legal and commercial challenges while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include:Providing expert legal advice, risk management, contract drafting and training across diverse business areas to support growth and business strategy.Supporting the negotiation and management of major contracts and tender processes within the Health & Care, Government, Energy & Resources, Procurement, Tech, and Services segments.Driving consistency in legal guidance, risk assessment, and commercial decision-making.Supporting leadership in maintaining ethical business practices and ensuring compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws.Leading and managing a team of six lawyers, ensuring agility, collaboration, and professional development.Working strategically with the General Counsel and legal leadership to foster an efficient, high-performing department.Ensuring alignment between Sodexo\’s legal strategy and business priorities, effectively communicating and implementing key directives.Developing and delivering training programmes on legal, commercial, and regulatory matters.Leading recruitment efforts for legal team expansion as needed.Driving innovative solutions that enhance legal operations and commercial agility, optimizing value for Sodexo.Acting as Deputy to the General Counsel.Maintaining financial discipline and commercial efficiency within the legal department budget.Implementing efficient administrative systems and agile processes.The Ideal CandidateEssentialEducated to degree levelQualifiedsolicitor inEngland & Wales or equivalent jurisdiction (10+ years qualification)Extensivelegalandcommercialexpertisegainedin top tier private practice and in a large, fast-paced multinationalenvironmentExpertise in commercial contracts, outsourced services contracts, public procurement, TUPE, GDPR, digital transformations and services agreements, including technology services agreementsProven experience in joint ventures, complex contracts and legal structures, mergers and acquisitionsExposuretoPFI/PPP andpublicsectorcontracts andtendering processes includingnegotiation andproblem resolutionManagement of disputes and litigationDisplaying a high standard of legal expertise and commercial acumen.Strong leadership and people management experienceProject management and financial oversight capabilitiesStrategic and innovative thinking with the ability to implement commercially viable solutionsDesirableProficiency in at least two modernEuropean languagesCompany secretarial experience #J-18808-Ljbffr