At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice, lead contract negotiations, and manage compliance for a global FMCG.
- Company: Join a leading global FMCG with a dynamic and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Own the legal function and make a real impact at Group level.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3-5 years PQE and strong in-house experience.
- Other info: Direct exposure to the Executive Committee and a chance to shape strategic decisions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: West London (Hybrid – 2–3 days in office)
Compensation: Competitive base salary plus bonus
Are you a qualified lawyer who enjoys broad experience? Are you interested in working within a consumer-facing business? Does the idea of being a sole counsel excite you? If so, this is a rare and exceptional opportunity to join a global FMCG business in a Group Legal Counsel role with real ownership and impact. Reporting directly to the Executive Committee, this position offers breadth, autonomy, and visibility at Group level.
Key Responsibilities- Provide corporate and commercial legal advice across the group
- Lead contract negotiation and risk assessment for commercial agreements
- Support strategic initiatives, including partnerships, joint ventures, and M&A
- Advise on regulatory compliance, governance, and data protection
- Act as Company Secretary for UK entities
- Support employment-related legal matters in collaboration with HR
- Manage litigation and pre-litigation issues, coordinating with external counsel
- Oversee IP and trademark matters, ensuring brand protection
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3–5 PQE
- Ideally trained at a recognised top 100 law firm
- Strong in-house experience, preferably in a global organisation
- Confident managing external advisers and engaging with senior stakeholders
- Commercially minded, pragmatic, and comfortable working autonomously
- Curious, adaptable, and ready to take ownership of a broad legal remit
- Sole-counsel role at Group level – rare opportunity to own the legal function
- Direct exposure to the Executive Committee, shaping strategic decisions
- Hands-on, high-impact role across corporate, commercial, regulatory, and IP matters
- Opportunity to grow and develop as an in-house counsel in a globally recognised FMCG business
Interested? Apply directly or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Sole Legal Counsel - Creative Retail Group in City of London employer: The Stephen James Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Stephen James Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Legal Counsel - Creative Retail Group in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in FMCG. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its legal challenges. Show us you understand their business and how you can add value as a Sole Legal Counsel. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your passion for the role and your unique skills. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Legal Counsel - Creative Retail Group in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your in-house experience and any relevant legal qualifications to show us you’re the right fit for this sole counsel role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed. We want to see your personality and passion come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; tell us about your achievements! Whether it’s successful contract negotiations or innovative legal strategies, we love to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Stephen James Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on corporate and commercial law, especially as it relates to FMCG. Familiarise yourself with the company's recent legal challenges and successes, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Autonomy
Since this role is all about ownership, be ready to share examples of when you've taken charge of a legal project or initiative. Highlight your ability to work independently and make decisions that have positively impacted your previous employers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Think of specific instances where your legal advice influenced business decisions, and be ready to explain your approach to collaboration.
✨Be Curious and Adaptable
This role requires a curious mindset and adaptability. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new legal challenges. Share examples of how you've navigated changes in regulations or business strategies in your previous roles.