SSQ is delighted to have been exclusively retained by a leading, high-growth international fast-casual dining group to appoint its next Legal Director for the UK and Europe.
Reporting directly to the Group General Counsel and sitting on the UK Leadership Team, this is a high-profile, strategic role offering the opportunity to shape and scale the legal function across multiple European jurisdictions. With a strong UK focus, you will lead a team of lawyers and act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing commercially focused legal support across a broad range of business-critical matters.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the UK & European legal team.
- Advise senior leadership on commercial, corporate, employment, real estate and regulatory matters.
- Support ambitious store expansion, new-market entry and strategic growth initiatives.
- Oversee complex commercial agreements, corporate governance and legal risk.
- Build and enhance legal processes, compliance frameworks and governance structures to support continued international growth.
- Manage external legal advisors across multiple jurisdictions.
About you:
- UK-qualified, practising solicitor with 10+ years' PQE.
- Proven senior in-house legal experience within a consumer-facing business, ideally retail, hospitality, leisure, food & beverage or FMCG.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience advising executive leadership.
- Broad legal expertise spanning commercial contracts, real estate, employment and corporate matters.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing legal teams.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and international environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded legal leader who enjoys being close to the business, influencing strategic decisions and building a legal function that supports ambitious growth.
Legal Director employer: SSQ
Join a leading UK firm that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering exceptional opportunities for professional growth in the dynamic fields of Data Protection and Cyber Law. With a diverse client base and a commitment to innovation, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
