At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to shape our in-house legal function and make a real impact.
- Company: SBFM Limited, a leading Facilities Management provider in the UK.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, modern office, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of commercial operations and drive strategic legal initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law, contract negotiation, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
About the Role
SBFM Limited is one of the UK's leading Facilities Management Services providers, operating across the length and breadth of the country with a team of over 5,000 people. We are growing fast, and we are looking for a talented Legal Counsel to join our team and help shape the future of our in‑house legal function. This is a rare opportunity to be genuinely impactful — not just another role, but a chance to build, develop, and own the legal function at the heart of a thriving business.
The Role
Reporting directly to our Chief Legal & Risk Officer, you will be at the centre of our commercial operations, providing expert legal guidance and acting as a trusted strategic partner to the business. You will play a key part in our continued growth — drafting and negotiating high‑value contracts, managing risk, and working hand‑in‑hand with colleagues across every part of the organisation. This is a stand‑alone role, so we are looking for someone who is confident, resourceful, and ready to take ownership from day one.
Where You Will Work
We offer a flexible hybrid working arrangement, giving you the best of both worlds. You will also have access to our vibrant, newly refurbished Leeds office (LS15). We are open to discussing part‑time arrangements for the right candidate.
What You Will Do
- Commercial Contract Management — draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts to support and protect the business.
- Cross‑Departmental Collaboration — work closely with Finance, HR, Sales, and Operations to achieve the best commercial and legal risk outcomes.
- Procurement Support — provide expert guidance on supplier contract negotiations, terms, and conditions.
- Project Participation — contribute legal expertise to strategic business initiatives and projects as they arise.
- Contract Administration — act as the key business resource for contract research, advice, management, and dispute resolution.
- Professional Development — share knowledge and provide guidance and training to colleagues on contract and legal matters.
- External Stakeholder Management — coordinate with external legal advisors and other third parties as required.
What We Are Looking For
- Demonstrable experience in a similar in‑house or private practice commercial legal role.
- A proven track record in contract negotiation, drafting, and strategic legal advisory work.
- Experience in, or a strong interest in, facilities management, contract services, or a comparable fast‑paced operational environment.
- A proactive, self‑motivated approach with an excellent eye for detail — methodical, organised, and able to work autonomously.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident and approachable manner and a genuine “can do” attitude.
- Strong client focus and a passion for delivering results at pace.
- A commitment to professional development and expanding expertise across diverse business areas.
- A full, clean driving licence and the willingness to travel to client sites across the UK as required.
In Return You Will Receive
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Newly refurbished modern office environment with free parking.
- Pension scheme.
- Access to training and development.
- Access to internal mentoring scheme for career development.
- Regular company social events.
Our Values
Everything we do at SBFM is guided by four core values. We are proud of who we are, and we want our next Legal Counsel to be proud of it too.
- Be a Good Person — We give people opportunities and embrace their inherent goodness. We are open‑minded and uphold integrity. We are respectful, considerate, kind, and appreciative.
- Play as a Team — Community and communication are everything. We remain inclusive within our company and with our clients. Together we grow, retain, execute, and make an impact. We are one team.
- Think Differently — We encourage a growth mindset — everything can be improved through effort. We love innovation and ideas. We are disruptors, and we push boundaries for sustainable growth.
- Make an Impact — It is all about the ultimate goal. We exceed expectations and deliver results at pace. We challenge the norm and step out of our comfort zone, because at our core, we are passionate and love to win.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are looking for a role where your legal skills will genuinely move the dial — where you will be heard, valued, and empowered to make a real difference — we want to hear from you. Apply today and accelerate your legal career with SBFM.
About Us
SBFM is one of the fastest growing, owner‑operated Facilities Management service providers in the UK, supplying large‑scale facilities management services across multiple sectors. With a clear goal of becoming the UK's market leading, owner‑operated FM business, we are driven by our core values which guide us every step of the way. What truly sets us apart is our shared ambition among our teams to reimagine what's possible in our industry. By uniting a dedicated group of colleagues who embody our values, we can make a meaningful and positive impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole.
Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds employer: SBFM
SBFM Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and modern working environment in Leeds, complemented by a flexible hybrid working arrangement. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training, mentoring, and regular social events, we foster a collaborative culture that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in commercial law while being part of a rapidly growing team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those in commercial law. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to facilities management and think about how your skills can align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in contract negotiation and legal advisory work makes you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful — show them you’re confident and ready to take ownership from day one.
✨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 serious about joining our team at SBFM and contributing to our mission of making a real difference in the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract negotiation and commercial law, and show us how you align with our values at SBFM.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can make an impact. Use specific examples from your past roles that illustrate your ability to manage contracts and collaborate across departments.
Be Authentic:We want to get to know the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for commercial law and how you approach challenges with a proactive mindset.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SBFM
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your contract law knowledge and be ready to discuss specific examples of contracts you've drafted or negotiated. This will show your expertise and confidence in commercial legal matters.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves cross-departmental collaboration, prepare to share experiences where you've worked closely with teams like Finance or HR. Highlight how you contributed to achieving the best outcomes and how you can bring that teamwork mentality to SBFM.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Approach
Be ready to discuss situations where you took initiative in your previous roles. Whether it was identifying a potential risk or streamlining a process, showing that you can work autonomously and take ownership will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Embrace the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with SBFM's core values and think about how they align with your own. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
