At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice and manage key business priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, disrupting the market since 2020.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, equity package, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Shape the legal function of a high-growth consumer business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years PQE and experience in fast-growing environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Nine Elms, London - Full-time (5 days a week on-site) We are seeking a commercially astute and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to join our fast‑paced on‑demand retail business in London. This pivotal role will serve as the legal partner to the Founder and Executive Leadership Team, driving and safeguarding key business priorities as we scale. You will be responsible for delivering pragmatic legal advice across a range of high‑impact areas, enabling the business to move quickly while managing legal and regulatory risk. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the legal function of a high‑growth consumer business as a true business partner.
About Zapp Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi‑trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best‑in‑class customer‑centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand‑picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise the Founder and executive team on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including commercial, real estate, licensing/regulatory, IP, privacy, employment, corporate governance, and M&A.
- Be responsible for and lead on execution of all ongoing business legal matters.
- Proactively identify legal risks and opportunities, proposing creative, risk‑balanced solutions aligned with business priorities.
- Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for cross‑functional teams.
- Over time, build and manage a lean, high‑performing legal team.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements (supplier, brand, technology, logistics, partnerships, sponsorships, etc.).
- Support on corporate structuring, shareholder matters, board governance, fundraising, and investor relations.
Cross‑Functional Enablement
- Work closely with teams across Product, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to embed legal considerations early in strategic initiatives and on all legal risk and compliance matters.
- Ensure compliance with UK regulatory regimes (e.g., e‑commerce, consumer protection, advertising, food safety, and data protection), including applicable data protection laws such as GDPR.
Operational Excellence
- Build and improve scalable legal processes, contract templates, and self‑service tools for the wider business.
- Help design and implement internal policies, employee training, and internal compliance frameworks.
Board, Investor & External Engagement
- Prepare legal materials for board meetings, investor updates, and key stakeholder reviews.
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness.
- Lead and be responsible for external company secretary providers.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor (UK) with 7+ years PQE, ideally trained at a top‑tier law firm with in‑house experience in a fast‑growing, venture‑backed business.
- Experience in a fast‑paced in‑house environment—ideally a start‑up or scale‑up in the tech, consumer, or retail sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to autonomously and pro‑actively handle a broad range of legal topics and thrive in a high‑velocity, ambiguous environment.
- Strong commercial instincts with excellent judgement and ability to balance legal risk with business ambition.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication skills and executive presence – able to influence, build trust and collaborate at all levels.
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable, resourceful, and resilient, with a bias for action and a sense of ownership.
- Experience in consumer tech, retail, e‑commerce, logistics, or regulated sectors is highly advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & equity package.
- 25 days of holiday per year (plus all bank holidays).
- Private Health Insurance.
- Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.
Senior Legal Counsel Legal · HQ employer: Justzapp
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets convenience retail. As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will not only play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of a high-growth business but also benefit from a competitive salary, equity package, and generous holiday allowance. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, Zapp empowers its team members to thrive and make impactful contributions in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel Legal · HQ
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work in fast-paced environments. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s mission and values. Zapp is all about disrupting the retail market, so think about how your legal expertise can support that vision. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a strategic partner ready to drive their business forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Legal Counsel. Highlight your ability to manage legal risks while enabling quick business decisions—this is key for a high-growth company like Zapp.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Zapp team and contributing to its exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel Legal · HQ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in commercial law and any relevant in-house work, especially in fast-paced environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to provide pragmatic legal advice and identify risks. We’re looking for someone who can think ahead and help us navigate the complexities of a high-growth business, so share examples of how you've done this before.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate directness, especially when it comes to legal matters!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Justzapp
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description, like commercial law, IP, and data protection. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas and how you can provide pragmatic legal advice that supports business goals.
✨Show Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've identified legal risks and proposed creative solutions in previous roles. This is a fast-paced environment, so demonstrating your ability to think strategically and act quickly will set you apart.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Zapp's business model and the convenience retail market. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their operations and how legal considerations fit into their strategy will show that you're not just a lawyer, but a true business partner.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Think about how you've collaborated with other departments in the past. Be prepared to discuss how you can embed legal considerations early in strategic initiatives and ensure compliance across various teams, as this role requires strong cross-functional enablement.
