Inhouse Legal counsel in Manchester

QUEST is a fast-growing international FMCG business specialising in beauty, personal care and cosmetic products, with established and innovative brands sold through retailers, distributors and e-commerce channels in the UK and over 80 markets. As part of the Brand Masters Group, the Company is expanding globally through strategic partnerships, distribution networks and product innovation. The Legal team supports this growth by working with senior leaders and business functions to provide commercial advice on contracts, IP, regulatory compliance, governance, employment matters and international operations. This is an opportunity to join a fast-paced business, work on varied legal matters across multiple jurisdictions, own meaningful projects and contribute to the Company’s continued growth.

Overview

The Inhouse Legal Counsel will provide practical legal support across the Group, working closely with the Senior In-House Legal Counsel and the CFO. The role will involve helping with commercial contracts, legal documents, intellectual property matters, IP clearance searches and legal compliance processes. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day legal work, identify legal and commercial risks, and help improve legal processes across the business. The role will work closely with senior management and teams across the business to make sure legal advice supports commercial decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Contracts
  • Draft, review, negotiate and manage a range of commercial and corporate documents, including distribution and manufacturing agreements, NDAs, letters of authorisation, powers of attorney, declarations, relationship letters and employment-related documents.
  • Maintain standard legal templates and support negotiations with customers, distributors and other stakeholders.
  • Oversee agreement execution, document records, renewals, expiry dates and key contractual obligations.
• Legal Operations & Compliance
  • Maintain contract trackers, legal registers, policies, procedures and internal guidance.
  • Monitor legal and regulatory developments and help departments implement effective compliance processes.
  • Support management of the Company’s global trade mark portfolio, including filings, renewals, recordables, searches and external attorney coordination.
  • Maintain IP registers and assist with oppositions, cancellation actions, disputes, confidential information and trade secret protection.
• Regulatory, Data Protection & Legal Research
  • Prepare, review and coordinate regulatory and legal documentation for customers, distributors, authorities and international product registrations.
  • Liaise with regulatory, quality and commercial teams on documentation requirements.
  • Support data protection compliance, data breach response and guidance on confidentiality and data handling.
  • Undertake legal research across multiple jurisdictions, provide practical advice to internal stakeholders and identify commercially pragmatic solutions to legal risks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent recognised law degree.
• Admission as an Attorney/Solicitor or working towards admission, depending on jurisdiction.
• 2-5 years post-qualification legal experience, although candidates with relevant in-house commercial experience outside this range will also be considered.
• Experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
• Excellent legal drafting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal document management systems.

Preferred

• Experience in an in-house legal environment.
• Experience in manufacturing, import/export, retail or distribution industries.