At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice, draft contracts, and manage legal risks in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20+ benefits, gym discounts, and 24/7 support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while guiding complex decisions in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong construction law expertise and commercial awareness.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Providing effective legal and commercial advice and assistance as required by the Segments/Functions supported.
- Reviewing, drafting and negotiating construction and facilities management contracts and PFI variations.
- Advising on, drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of standard forms of UK contracts such as NEC4, JCT, Model Forms of contract, complex infrastructure projects and bespoke contracts and queries.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating professional appointments for design, scope of services, fee structures and contractual terms.
- Preparing and negotiating collateral warranties and security documents.
- Assisting the Segments/Functions supported regarding the assessment and management of legal and commercial risk.
- Training the Segments/Functions supported on legal, commercial and regulatory issues.
- Helping to ensure that business is conducted in accordance with relevant law and Sodexo's internal governance processes.
- Instructing external lawyers and managing external legal fees under appropriate supervision.
- Providing preliminary advice on disputes and litigation.
- Ensuring compliance with company policies and Legal Department processes.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent with strong academics.
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction) (guide 2-4 PQE).
- Qualification gained in top tier law firm and in-house legal experience in relevant industry desirable.
- Strong technical knowledge and expertise in construction law, with a proven ability to advise on complex matters.
- Demonstrated experience in advising on, reviewing, drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts including all standard forms of UK contracts such as NEC4, JCT, Model Forms of contract and complex infrastructure projects.
- Experienced in drafting and negotiating professional appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and associated project documentation.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- Sound judgment and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage internal and external relationships successfully.
Benefits
We are looking for a Legal Counsel/Construction lawyer to provide clear, pragmatic legal and commercial advice that supports Sodexo UK&I's strategic goals. This role will help guide the business through complex decisions, manage risk effectively, and deliver commercially focused solutions that enable confident, compliant operations across a dynamic organisation.
Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way. At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
Package Description: Competitive salary depending on experience. Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome life's obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
Legal Counsel - Hybrid - London or Manchester based employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Hybrid - London or Manchester based
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in construction law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of NEC4, JCT, and other relevant contracts. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past and how you can bring that expertise to Sodexo.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial awareness! During interviews, highlight how your legal advice has positively impacted business decisions. Employers love candidates who understand the balance between legal risk and commercial objectives.
✨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 Sodexo team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Hybrid - London or Manchester based
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience with construction law and relevant contracts, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Use specific examples from your past work that relate to advising on complex legal matters and managing risk.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to follow and directly address the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of contracts mentioned in the job description, like NEC4 and JCT. Brush up on your knowledge of construction law and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've drafted or negotiated these contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the commercial implications of legal decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you balance legal risks with business objectives, and share examples of how your advice has positively impacted a project or organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal scenarios or disputes. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and prepare structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and pragmatic approach.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s legal strategies and how they align with their business goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.