Counsel

Wesco; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesco seeks a Counsel to handle commercial matters across the EMEA region, leading negotiations and drafting for distribution and supply contracts. The role collaborates with cross‑functional teams to mitigate risks and supports business objectives with practical legal guidance.

Excellent drafting and communication skills are essential, with experience in commercial contracts and a readiness to embrace AI-enabled processes within a global firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor admitted in England and Wales, or an equivalent common law jurisdiction.
• Current practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Two to five years of post-qualification experience in a reputable law firm or in-house legal department, ideally with exposure to commercial contracts work.
• Demonstrable experience in commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation; sector exposure not essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting complex contracts and documents.
• Able to explain legal concepts clearly to stakeholders and partner with business teams.
• Good business acumen with practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and leverage AI tools to automate and improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Handle and lead a variety of commercial legal matters across the EMEA region, including negotiations of distribution agreements and commercial contracts.
• Support project teams and cross-functional groups on legal and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with business leaders to mitigate commercial risks and support corporate strategy.
• Provide responsive legal advice on day-to-day commercial queries and risk assessment.
• Draft, review, and redline commercial contracts to achieve business objectives.
• Contribute to process improvements and the use of AI and technology in legal services.
• Assist with dispute resolution and other practice areas as needed.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Legal research

Communication skills

AI tools

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

SRA practising certificate

Post-qualification experience 2–5 years

Job description

Job Description

As Counsel you will be responsible for representing the organization and handling various commercial matters across the EMEA region, including complex matters, and leading projects and negotiations with specialized knowledge

Job Description

As Counsel you will be responsible for representing the organization and handling various commercial matters across the EMEA region, including complex matters, and leading projects and negotiations with specialized knowledge

Responsibilities

• Responsible for handling and leading a variety of commercial legal matters, including the negotiation and management of distribution agreements, supply contracts, statements of work, standard terms and conditions, and other commercial agreements across the EMEA region.
• Supports and contributes to project teams and cross-functional groups on commercial legal and compliance matters.
• Collaborates with business leaders and cross-functional teams to effectively mitigate commercial risks and support corporate strategies and business objectives, with a focus on understanding the commercial drivers behind each matter.
• Provides responsive and practical legal advice to business stakeholders on day-to-day commercial queries, with the ability to assess risk in the context of the specific deal or transaction.
• Provides practical and actionable advice to management on commercial legal matters, including developments and changes in applicable laws and regulations, and supports the development of related policies and compliance initiatives.
• Negotiates, drafts, reviews, and redlines commercial contracts and agreements to accomplish business objectives, including managing negotiations with external counterparties.
• Contributes to initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and delivery of legal services, including the use of AI and legal technology, process improvement, and new ways of working.
• Assists with dispute resolution and other practice areas as required by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor admitted in England and Wales, or an equivalent common law jurisdiction.
• Current practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Two to five years of post-qualification experience gained in a reputable law firm or in-house legal department, ideally with exposure to commercial contracts work.
• Demonstrable experience in commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation. Prior experience in the specific sector is not essential; a solid legal foundation and willingness to engage with the business are important.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting complex legal contracts and documents.
• Responsible, accountable, client-focused person who represents the department well (e.g., responsive, knowledgeable, professional, timely) and integrates well into the larger organization.
• Able to communicate legal concepts in clear, concise, and practical terms, including presenting alternatives and solutions to stakeholders.
• Good business acumen, provides creative and practical solutions to problems.
• Adept at communicating in layman’s terms and delivering alternatives and solutions in clear, concise manner.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, adaptable, flexible, and manages multiple projects and competing priorities with willingness to get their hands dirty (e.g., roll up sleeves and do the heavy lifting).
• Good at recognizing an issue, inquisitive, asks right questions and makes extra effort.
• Good business partner.
• Curious, willing to learn new areas and skills.
• Excellent legal research skills
• Technologically proficient. Systems thinker who looks for ways to automate, streamline, and improve processes, including hands-on use of AI tools to build and test solutions.

About The Team

At Wesco, we build, connect, power and protect the world. As a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, we create a world that you can depend on.

Our Company’s greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive.

Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500® company.

Wesco International, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Wesco”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. US applicants only, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Los Angeles Unincorporated County Candidates Only: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

This posting is for a current, active vacancy intended for immediate hire.