General Counsel and Company Secretary in Manchester

Seize the opportunity to be part of a unique business with an exciting vision for the future - where we dare to be bold, discover what’s possible, and do incredible. At PZ Cussons, we offer five big reasons that people join and stay: Futureproof Our Brands, Create Your Own Impact, Accelerate Your Craft, Flexibility to Perform, And Collaborate with Intent.

In this role as General Counsel and Company Secretary, you will lead the Group’s global legal, governance and compliance function at a time when the business is focused, resilient and building for long-term growth across global markets. You will be a trusted adviser to the PZ Cussons Board Chair, CEO, Executive Committee and senior leaders, helping shape commercial decisions, manage legal risk and guide the business through complex opportunities and challenges. You will also play a central role in building a world-class in-house function and embedding a strong global compliance programme. It’s a role with real reach and influence, where your judgement will help protect the business, unlock progress and support growth across both developed and emerging markets.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Lead a high-quality legal, governance and compliance function that gives the business clear, commercial support and keeps pace with its evolving needs.
• Advise the Chair, CEO, Executive Committee and senior leaders on major legal, governance and commercial matters across our lead markets.
• Strengthen corporate governance and help shape the Group’s corporate structure so the business is set up for sustainable growth.
• Oversee the global compliance programme, including practical training and guidance that supports consistent, responsible decision-making.
• Partner on strategic priorities, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, litigation, regulatory matters and cross-functional initiatives that matter to the business.
• Build trust, capability and momentum across the legal function, developing talent across locations and managing external counsel in a smart, cost-effective way.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Significant legal and leadership experience, ideally spanning both private practice and in-house work within an international organisation.
• Strong expertise across commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, contracts, corporate governance, litigation and regulatory matters.
• Experience working in emerging markets, with Africa experience or broader emerging markets exposure essential.
• Sharp business judgement and the confidence to balance hands-on delivery with strategic thinking in a fast-moving environment.
• The credibility, integrity and communication skills to build trusted relationships at every level and lead with calm, clarity and gravitas.

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

My Benefits brings together your total rewards in one place, giving you the flexibility to choose what matters most. Key benefits we offer include:

• Competitive annual bonus, LTIP, pension, life assurance and Share Incentive Plan.
• Flexible holiday options, including buy and accrual.
• Hybrid/electric car scheme, cycle to work & free mortgage advice.
• Discounted and complimentary PZ products.
• Onsite gym (where available).

OUR PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES

At PZ Cussons, our purpose is For Everyone, For Life, For Good. Guided by our BEST values, Bold, Energetic, Striving and Together, we nurture a culture where people feel empowered to grow, perform and make a meaningful difference every day. We retain the pioneering spirit of our founders, by building portfolios of locally-loved brands across our key markets in the UK, ANZ, Nigeria and Indonesia, backed by the manufacturing scale and capability of a global business. Spanning Personal, Home, and Baby Care, our products are trusted by millions of consumers worldwide, including Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

INCLUSION AND FAIRNESS

We are committed to building diverse teams that reflect our consumers and communities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to thrive. If you need any adjustments during the process, just let us know.