In-House Commercial Counsel — UK/ROI, Strategic Deals

Join Specsavers Legal – where commercial insight meets real business impact. Are you a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys being close to the action and making a genuine difference to a fast‑moving business? This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible, influential role within Specsavers’ UK, ROI Legal team, working at the heart of an internationally recognised brand with a strong joint venture ethos.

Working as part of a small, supportive and expert team, you’ll provide trusted legal advice across a wide range of commercial, contractual and strategic matters. From joint venture arrangements and shareholder documentation to complex trading and commercial projects, this role offers variety, responsibility and the chance to see your advice land directly in the business.

Why this role will capture your interest

This is not a back‑office legal role. You’ll be partnering closely with senior stakeholders and business leaders, shaping decisions and helping the organisation move forward confidently and compliantly. You’ll advise across UK, ROI and Guernsey operations, lead your own substantial caseload and manage sensitive, often high‑profile matters with minimal supervision. Whether you’re drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, advising on corporate governance, supporting strategic projects or managing external counsel, your work will be both visible and valued. You’ll also play a key role in improving business standards and reducing risk, helping to roll out policies, procedures and training that genuinely supports the business.

As a generalist within the UK/ROI Legal team, you’ll have exposure to a broad mix of work, including joint ventures, commercial contracts, shareholder matters and wider operational support.

What Makes This Role Rewarding

Specsavers offers the rare blend of in‑house commercial pace with the complexity and intellectual challenge lawyers thrive on. You’ll be trusted to work autonomously, encouraged to take a pragmatic, solution‑focused approach and supported by experienced colleagues who value collaboration over hierarchy. You’ll work cross‑functionally on new initiatives, engage directly with senior management and build strong relationships across the organisation. If you enjoy translating complex legal issues into clear, commercially grounded advice, and you take pride in helping a business grow responsibly, you’ll feel very much at home here.

Who Will Thrive In This Role

You’ll be a qualified commercial lawyer with five years’ or more post‑qualification experience or equivalent, backed by strong academic credentials and broad commercial / corporate experience gained in private practice, in‑house, or a blend of both. You’re comfortable advising on UK/ROI company law, corporate governance and compliance, and you bring strong drafting and negotiation skills with a sharp focus on commercial outcomes. You’re a self‑starter who enjoys a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment, confident working independently while knowing when to seek input or escalation. You communicate clearly and persuasively with both legal and non‑legal colleagues, and you’re commercially astute, curious and level‑headed when handling complex or sensitive matters. Experience in retail, healthcare or another consumer‑focused environment would be an advantage, as would exposure to commercial disputes, shareholder issues, or joint venture and franchising structures. Above all, you’ll be collaborative, pragmatic and motivated by delivering practical solutions that support real business priorities. Commercial litigation experience is desirable. If you’re looking for a role where your legal expertise truly matters, and where you can grow alongside a purpose‑driven, people‑focused organisation, this is a very exciting next step.