At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice and manage key business priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, disrupting the market since 2020.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and more.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing legal team.
- Why this job: Shape the legal function of a high-growth business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years PQE and experience in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to join our fast-paced on-demand retail business in London. This pivotal role will serve as the legal partner to the Founder and Executive Leadership Team, driving and safeguarding key business priorities as we scale. You will be responsible for delivering pragmatic legal advice across a range of high-impact areas, enabling the business to move quickly while managing legal and regulatory risk. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the legal function of a high-growth consumer business as a true business partner.
About Zapp
Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer‑centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand‑picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Legal Partnering: Advise the Founder and executive team on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including commercial, real‑estate, licensing/regulatory, IP, privacy, employment, corporate governance, and M&A. Be responsible for and lead on execution of all ongoing business legal matters. Proactively identify legal risks and opportunities, proposing creative, risk-balanced solutions aligned with business priorities. Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for cross‑functional teams. Over time, build and manage a lean, high‑performing legal team.
- Commercial & Corporate Advisory: Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements (supplier, brand, technology, logistics, partnerships, sponsorships, etc.). Support on corporate structuring, shareholder matters, board governance, fundraising, and investor relations.
- Cross‑Functional Enablement: Work closely with teams across Product, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to embed legal considerations early in strategic initiatives and on all legal risk and compliance matters. Ensure compliance with UK regulatory regimes (e.g., e‑commerce, consumer protection, advertising, food safety, and data protection), including applicable data protection laws such as GDPR.
- Operational Excellence: Build and improve scalable legal processes, contract templates, and self‑service tools for the wider business. Help design and implement internal policies, employee training, and internal compliance frameworks.
- Board, Investor & External Engagement: Prepare legal materials for board meetings, investor updates, and key stakeholder reviews. Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness. Lead and be responsible for external company secretary providers.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor (UK) with 7+ years PQE, ideally trained at a top‑tier law firm with in‑house experience in a fast‑growing, venture‑backed business.
- Experience in a fast‑paced in‑house environment—ideally a start‑up or scale‑up in the tech, consumer, or retail sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to autonomously and pro‑actively handle a broad range of legal topics and thrive in a high‑velocity, ambiguous environment.
- Strong commercial instincts with excellent judgement and ability to balance legal risk with business ambition.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication skills and executive presence – able to influence, build trust and collaborate at all levels.
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable, resourceful, and resilient, with a bias for action and a sense of ownership.
- Experience in consumer tech, retail, e‑commerce, logistics, or regulated sectors is highly advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & equity package.
- Enjoy 25 days of holiday per year (plus all bank holidays).
- Private Health Insurance.
- Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Senior Legal Counsel employer: Zapp
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets convenience retail. As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will not only play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of a high-growth business but also benefit from a competitive salary, equity package, and generous holiday allowance. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, Zapp empowers its team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced world of on-demand retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in fast-paced environments. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s mission and values. For Zapp, that means knowing their vision to disrupt the convenience retail market. Tailor your answers to show how your legal expertise aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a high-growth business like Zapp, being able to handle various legal topics is key. Be ready to discuss examples of how you've navigated complex legal challenges in fast-paced settings.
✨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 joining the team at Zapp.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in commercial law, regulatory matters, and any relevant in-house experience. We want to see how your background aligns with our fast-paced environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Zapp. Share specific examples of how you've navigated legal challenges in previous roles and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your commercial instincts and ability to balance legal risk with business ambition. We’re looking for someone who can think strategically and provide pragmatic solutions, so make sure to highlight these skills!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description, like commercial agreements and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas and how you can provide pragmatic legal advice that supports business goals.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
This role is all about being a strategic partner. Prepare examples of how you've identified legal risks and opportunities in past roles. Think about how you can translate complex legal jargon into actionable insights for cross-functional teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Zapp is looking for someone with strong commercial instincts. Be prepared to discuss how you've balanced legal risk with business ambition in previous positions. Highlight any experience you have in fast-paced environments, especially in tech or retail sectors.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice your interpersonal skills. Be ready to showcase your ability to influence and build trust at all levels. Consider how you can contribute to a collaborative culture and support the executive team effectively.
