As ‘the UK’s No. 1 Bakery Brand’ we have been baking bread since 1876. Today, we are proudly a fifth-generation family, with the introduction of the sixth generation, supplying over 18,000 retail customers from 11 bakeries and 16 depots, producing a range of over 70 products including gluten and wheat free. Family and values are what makes us different, and we are a proud bunch, join us and you too could be proud to be Warburtons.Are you a commercially minded legal professional who enjoys building strong relationships, influencing decisions and helping a business navigate complex challenges?If so, we'd love to hear from you. Join Warburtons as our Company Counsel and play a key role in helping the business achieve its ambitions. From commercial contracts to protecting our iconic brand, you'll help shape decisions that keep Warburtons moving forward.The RecipeTo provide commercially focused legal advice to Warburtons, helping the business achieve its strategic objectives whilst managing legal and regulatory risk.The role will support a broad range of legal activities including commercial contracts, employment matters, property transactions, dispute resolution, intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance across data protection, competition law and anti-bribery and anti-fraud. You will be the Company's Whistleblowing Officer and lead on Data Protection.Key Accountabilities and MeasuresCommercial ContractsDraft, review and negotiate commercial agreements.Support procurement, supply chain, IT, marketing, engineering and operations.Deliver practical advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives.Develop and maintain contract templates and playbooks.Support business self-service on low-risk mattersLegal Risk ManagementIdentify, assess and manage legal corporate compliance risks across the business.Maintain the Code of Conduct and associated training programmeAssist with dispute resolution and regulatory investigations.Property TransactionsDraft and negotiate leases, licences, easements and other property matters.Advise on dilapidations, collateral warranties, Landlord consent matters, rent reviews and lease terminationsWork with external solicitors and surveyors where required.Employment Law SupportProvide legal support on disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, restructuring and tribunal matters.Draft settlement agreements or COT3s, advise on redundancy or other employment termination mattersWork closely with HR to ensure employment practices remain legally compliant.Advise on IR35 and right to work complianceMonitor developments in employment legislation and case law.Intellectual Property & Brand MarketingProvide advice on passing off, trademark infringement, cease and desist lettersAdvise on the registration of new trade marksDraft draft mark licencesSupport marketing and innovation teams regarding advertising, product labelling and promotional complianceRespond to any ASA investigationsRegulatory MattersAssist with interactions involving regulators and enforcement bodies.Support responses to investigations, audits and information requests.Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the food manufacturing sectorEssential IngredientsEssential QualificationsQualified Solicitor in England & Wales (typically 2-5 years PQE, although flexibility depending on experience).Strong grounding in contract law, tort, employment, competition law , data protection and associated legislation.Essential ExperienceExperience within an in-house legal team preferredCommercial contract drafting and negotiationAdvising on regulatory, employment and compliance mattersWorking directly with business stakeholdersDemonstrating risk tolerance Showing the ability to balance legal risk with commercial judgementSkills & BehavioursCommercially minded and pragmatic.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.Ability to communicate legal issues clearly to non-lawyers.Strong relationship-building capability.High levels of integrity and professionalism.Self-motivated with a willingness to take ownership of matters.Extra DoughAt last and by no means least, you will want to know what your breads worth:Car allowanceA slice of the annual profits (discretionary profit share)Family time is important to us and we know it will be to you, so you’ll have 5 weeks holiday and bank hols. Plus the opportunity to purchase up to an extra weeks annual leave.Award winning pension scheme with company contributions of 7%Private medical insurance, health screening and life assuranceProducts you will love along with deals and discounts for you and the family through our Extra Dough websiteSupport for your health and wellbeing, including access to free physiotherapy, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice and a comprehensive occupational health serviceWe respect and value difference. We look to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or any other aspect which makes them unique, are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do.
Company Counsel employer: Warburton
Warburtons is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values family and diversity. As the UK's leading bakery brand, we provide our Engineering Manager with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a focus on employee wellbeing. Join us in a role where you can lead a dedicated team, drive innovation, and take pride in producing quality products that have been loved since 1876.
