Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester

Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide senior-level legal support and advice across EMEAI operations in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Sherwin-Williams, the world's largest paint and coatings company with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be a trusted advisor in a fast-paced international setting and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with strong experience in corporate and commercial law.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your skills in a supportive culture.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Sherwin-Williams is the world's largest paint and coatings company, with annual revenues of approximately $24 billion. Across the EMEAI region, the business operates in both industrial and consumer markets, with a presence in numerous countries and a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

We are now seeking a Senior Counsel to join our established regional legal team, supporting our EMEAI Industrial businesses. This is a senior, highly visible role, offering the opportunity to work closely with leadership teams across an international, fast-paced environment. The role will be based in the Manchester area, with hybrid working available (not fully remote). Alternative locations, including Birmingham, may also be considered. Some national and international travel will be required.

As Senior Counsel, you will provide senior-level legal support across Sherwin-Williams EMEAI operations, with a primary focus on the Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group. You will act as a trusted advisor to management teams, delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice while supporting business objectives and effective risk management.

You will support the following areas:

  • Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group: Seven business units producing, selling, and distributing the Company’s industrial products.
  • Global Supply Chain: Manufacturing operations, logistics, procurement, and operational support for commercial divisions.
  • Functional Support: Advising key functions including Real Estate, Human Resources, Finance, R&D, and Corporate teams.
  • Privacy Support: Advising on GDPR compliance and related data protection matters.
  • Sustainability Support: Supporting the review of marketing collateral, particularly in relation to green claims and sustainability-related communications.

In this role, you will:

  • Act as the primary legal advisor to management teams within the Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group in EMEAI.
  • Provide senior-level, solution-oriented legal advice across a wide range of matters, including:
  • Commercial contracts and negotiations
  • Disputes and claims management
  • Employment and HR matters
  • Real estate transactions and site-related issues
  • Marketing and advertising compliance
  • M&A and strategic transactions
  • Export controls and wider compliance matters
  • Proactively support legal and business projects, helping to identify, manage, and reduce legal risk.
  • Deliver training and guidance to stakeholders to enhance legal awareness and the effectiveness of in-house legal services.
  • Work collaboratively with legal and business colleagues across a matrixed international organisation.
  • The role will not have direct reports initially, but will require strong collaboration and influence across teams.

    The skills and experience you will ideally have:

    • Qualified Solicitor (8-10+ years experience desirable, though candidates with strong relevant experience and competencies will be considered)
    • Experience gained in-house legal department.
    • Strong background in corporate, commercial, and contract law.
    • Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts.
    • Experience in an international environment.
    • Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous: Litigation, Privacy & GDPR, Construction, Regulatory, HR & Pensions, Real Estate, IP, Sustainability, Export Compliance.

    Our offer to you:

    • Work life balance - hybrid and flexible working schedule
    • Competitive compensation program
    • Company bonus plan
    • Private medical insurance
    • Car allowance
    • Company contributed pension
    • Career growth opportunities in a truly international environment
    • Innovation leaders in the protective coatings industry
    • Sherwin Academy offers continuous training programs for all seniority levels
    • Attractive wellbeing, mental health, women & inclusion and ID&E programs

    At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

    • Life: with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
    • Career: with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
    • Connection: with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities

    It’s all here for you... let’s Create Your Possible.

    Eligibility to Work: You will need to provide proof of right to work. It is a condition of any offer of employment we make to you that you have the permission to work in the country for the role for which you are applying for.

    Equal Opportunity Employer: An equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, disability, age pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, or any other protected characteristic prohibited by law.

    Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.

    Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester employer: SherwinWilliamsUk

    Sherwin-Williams is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the Manchester area with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive health and wellness programmes, and robust career growth opportunities within a globally recognised leader in the coatings industry. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, alongside a strong focus on employee development through initiatives like Sherwin Academy, makes it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in their careers.
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    Contact Detail:

    SherwinWilliamsUk Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in corporate or commercial law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching Sherwin-Williams and its EMEAI operations. Understand their business model and think about how your legal expertise can support their goals. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to handle complex contracts. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.

    ✨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 joining the Sherwin-Williams team.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester

    Qualified Solicitor
    Corporate Law
    Commercial Law
    Contract Law
    Drafting and Negotiating Complex Contracts
    Litigation
    Privacy & GDPR Compliance
    Construction Law
    Regulatory Compliance
    Human Resources Law
    Pensions Law
    Real Estate Law
    Intellectual Property Law
    Sustainability Law
    Export Compliance

    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 relevant experience in corporate, commercial, and contract law, and show how you can support Sherwin-Williams' business objectives.

    Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've provided legal advice in an international environment. This will help us see how you can bring value to our EMEAI Industrial businesses.

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Sherwin-Williams.

    How to prepare for a job interview at SherwinWilliamsUk

    ✨Know Your Legal Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your corporate, commercial, and contract law knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, especially in an international context.

    ✨Understand the Business

    Familiarise yourself with Sherwin-Williams' operations, particularly in the Global Industrial / Performance Coatings Group. Knowing their products and market position will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate how you can add value to their team.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

    Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal challenges, such as GDPR compliance or contract negotiations. Think of examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice.

    ✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit

    Since this role requires strong collaboration across teams, be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with different departments in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.

    Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester
    SherwinWilliamsUk
    Location: Manchester

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