Senior Legal Counsel in Warrington

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
• 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

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.