At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate contracts, manage risk, and collaborate across departments.
- Company: Join SBFM Limited, a leading Facilities Management Services provider in the UK.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, modern office, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working, vibrant office environment, and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in commercial law and shape the future of our legal function.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Ready to Make Your Mark in Commercial Law? SBFM Limited is one of the UK's leading Facilities Management Services providers, operating across the length and breadth of the country with a team of over 5,000 people. We are growing fast, and we are looking for a talented Legal Counsel to join our team and help shape the future of our in-house legal function. This is a rare opportunity to be genuinely impactful — not just another role, but a chance to build, develop, and own the legal function at the heart of a thriving business.
The Role
Reporting directly to our Chief Legal & Risk Officer, you will be at the centre of our commercial operations, providing expert legal guidance and acting as a trusted strategic partner to the business. You will play a key part in our continued growth — drafting and negotiating high-value contracts, managing risk, and working hand-in-hand with colleagues across every part of the organisation. This is a stand-alone role, so we are looking for someone who is confident, resourceful, and ready to take ownership from day one.
Where You Will Work
We offer a flexible hybrid working arrangement, giving you the best of both worlds. You will also have access to our vibrant, newly refurbished Leeds office (LS15). We are open to discussing part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
What You Will Do
- Commercial Contract Management — draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts to support and protect the business;
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration — work closely with Finance, HR, Sales, and Operations to achieve the best commercial and legal risk outcomes;
- Procurement Support — provide expert guidance on supplier contract negotiations, terms, and conditions;
- Project Participation — contribute legal expertise to strategic business initiatives and projects as they arise;
- Contract Administration — act as the key business resource for contract research, advice, management, and dispute resolution;
- Professional Development — share knowledge and provide guidance and training to colleagues on contract and legal matters;
- External Stakeholder Management — coordinate with external legal advisors and other third parties as required.
What We Are Looking For
- Demonstrable experience in a similar in-house or private practice commercial legal role;
- A proven track record in contract negotiation, drafting, and strategic legal advisory work;
- Experience in, or a strong interest in, facilities management, contract services, or a comparable fast-paced operational environment;
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with an excellent eye for detail — methodical, organised, and able to work autonomously;
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident and approachable manner and a genuine 'can do' attitude;
- Strong client focus and a passion for delivering results at pace;
- A commitment to professional development and expanding expertise across diverse business areas;
- A full, clean driving licence and the willingness to travel to client sites across the UK as required.
In Return You Will Receive
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Newly refurbished modern office environment with free parking
- Pension Scheme
- Access to training and development
- Access to internal mentoring scheme for career development
- Regular Company social events
Our Values
Everything we do at SBFM is guided by four core values. We are proud of who we are, and we want our next Legal Counsel to be proud of it too.
- Be a Good Person — We give people opportunities and embrace their inherent goodness. We are open-minded and uphold integrity. We are respectful, considerate, kind, and appreciative.
- Play as a Team — Community and communication are everything. We remain inclusive within our company and with our clients. Together, we grow, retain, execute, and make an impact. We are one team.
- Think Differently — We encourage a growth mindset — everything can be improved through effort. We love innovation and ideas. We are disruptors, and we push boundaries for sustainable growth.
- Make an Impact — It is all about the ultimate goal. We exceed expectations and deliver results at pace. We challenge the norm and step out of our comfort zone, because at our core, we are passionate and love to win.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are looking for a role where your legal skills will genuinely move the dial — where you will be heard, valued, and empowered to make a real difference — we want to hear from you. Apply today and accelerate your legal career with SBFM.
Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds employer: UK_Prog_Agency_Joveo_SBFM_CPA
SBFM Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in a newly refurbished Leeds office with flexible hybrid working arrangements. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training, mentoring, and a vibrant company culture centred on teamwork and innovation, SBFM empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday and regular social events.
Contact Detail:
UK_Prog_Agency_Joveo_SBFM_CPA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who work in commercial law or facilities management. Attend industry events and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SBFM Limited and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth — show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to sharpen your approach and 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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SBFM team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Counsel in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract negotiation and commercial law, and show us how you align with our values at SBFM.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can make an impact. Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your ability to manage contracts and collaborate across departments.
Be Authentic:We want to get to know the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for commercial law and how you approach challenges with a 'can do' attitude.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team at SBFM.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK_Prog_Agency_Joveo_SBFM_CPA
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your contract law knowledge and be ready to discuss specific examples of contracts you've drafted or negotiated. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling commercial agreements, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various departments, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams like Finance, HR, or Operations in the past. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will demonstrate that you can be a trusted partner across the business.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Approach
Be ready to discuss situations where you've taken initiative in your previous roles. Whether it’s identifying potential legal risks or suggesting improvements in contract processes, showcasing your resourcefulness will align perfectly with what SBFM is looking for.
✨Embrace the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with SBFM's core values and think about how your personal values align with them. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
