At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice to support business growth in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Leading international food and consumer goods business with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a modern work culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on global operations.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years' experience in commercial contracts, preferably in FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading international food and consumer goods business with a strong presence across the UK and global markets. Operating within a fast‐paced commercial environment, the organisation partners with major retailers, foodservice providers and manufacturing customers worldwide. With a well‐established portfolio of recognised consumer and B2B brands, the business continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and long‐term growth. The company offers a collaborative, commercially driven culture and a modern flexible working environment.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join a global legal team in a high‐impact role supporting UK and international operations. This position will partner closely with senior business stakeholders across commercial, marketing, procurement, innovation and sustainability functions, providing pragmatic and solution‐focused legal advice that enables business growth while managing risk effectively. The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of autonomy, acting as a trusted advisor across a broad range of legal and regulatory matters in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering & Advisory
- Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior stakeholders across UK and international business units.
- Partner closely with commercial teams to provide timely, practical and commercially focused legal support.
- Support innovation and marketing teams on product launches, campaigns and business initiatives.
- Commercial Contracts
- Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements including sales, procurement, distribution, digital, media and professional services contracts.
- Support complex negotiations while balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve contracting processes, templates and ways of working.
- Risk & Compliance
- Advise on legal and regulatory developments impacting the FMCG and consumer goods sector.
- Translate complex legal issues into clear and actionable business guidance.
- Support compliance programmes across areas such as data privacy, competition law, ESG, anti‐bribery and cyber security.
- Assist with governance frameworks and risk management initiatives.
- Disputes & Issue Management
- Manage disputes, litigation and settlement negotiations alongside external counsel where required.
- Take a proactive approach to issue resolution to minimise business disruption and legal exposure.
Candidate Profile
- Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years' PQE.
- Strong experience advising on commercial contracts.
- Previous in‐house experience preferred, ideally within FMCG, food, beverage or consumer sectors.
- Experience with marketing and advertising compliance would be advantageous.
Skills & Attributes
- Commercially astute with strong business partnering capabilities.
- Confident managing multiple priorities in a fast‐moving environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Able to communicate complex legal matters clearly and pragmatically.
- Collaborative, adaptable and solutions‐focused approach.
- Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of matters.
Working Arrangements
This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation of approximately two days per week in the office. The position is based in Staffordshire.
Commercial Legal Counsel - FMCG in Manchester employer: NACBA
As a leading international food and consumer goods business, our client offers an exceptional work environment characterised by collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a flexible working culture that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic legal team. With a focus on sustainability and long-term success, this role not only provides meaningful challenges but also the chance to make a significant impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Counsel - FMCG in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the FMCG sector, attend industry events, and engage on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Commercial Legal Counsel. Highlight your experience in commercial contracts and your ability to manage risk while supporting business growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Counsel - FMCG in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the job description. Highlight your commercial contract experience and any relevant in-house roles you've had. 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 role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience in the FMCG sector and your approach to legal advisory.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders. We love candidates who can communicate complex legal matters clearly and work collaboratively across teams, so make sure to highlight these experiences!
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 at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at NACBA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the FMCG sector and the specific legal challenges it faces. Understand the company's portfolio and how they operate in the market. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've provided practical legal advice that supported business growth in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you balance legal risks with commercial objectives, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach working with senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships and influencing decisions, as this role requires strong stakeholder management skills.
✨Be Solution-Focused
During the interview, highlight your ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business guidance. Share examples of how you've proactively resolved disputes or compliance issues to minimise disruption and risk.
