ESG lawyer @global retailer

JR United Kingdom; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail industry is seeking an ESG Lawyer to provide expert legal guidance on sustainability and corporate governance. This role involves ensuring compliance with global regulations, shaping the company's sustainability strategy, and engaging with stakeholders across jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in ESG and environmental law, with a passion for driving impactful change.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ PQE in ESG or environmental law.
• Strong knowledge of global ESG regulations.
• Experience in retail or consumer goods sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on ESG-related matters globally.
• Draft and negotiate contracts embedding ESG standards.
• Conduct ESG risk assessments to mitigate legal risks.

Skills

ESG

Environmental Law

Corporate Governance

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales

Job description

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Role Overview: We are seeking a skilled ESG Lawyer to provide expert legal guidance on sustainability, ethical supply chains, and corporate governance across the organisation’s global operations. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and drive impactful ESG initiatives in the retail industry on an international scale. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure compliance with global regulations and shape the company’s worldwide sustainability strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on ESG-related matters globally, including environmental regulations, human rights, modern slavery, and supply chain compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Interpret and apply international ESG laws and frameworks, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), UK Modern Slavery Act, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and other regional regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and policies to embed ESG standards into global supplier agreements and business operations.
• Collaborate with international teams, including procurement, sustainability, and compliance, to implement ESG initiatives and ensure regulatory adherence worldwide.
• Conduct ESG risk assessments and due diligence to mitigate legal risks across the global supply chain and operations.
• Support the development of transparent ESG reporting frameworks to meet mandatory disclosure requirements in various markets.
• Monitor global ESG trends and regulatory developments, providing strategic advice to senior leadership on risks and opportunities.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including international regulators, NGOs, and industry bodies, on ESG-related matters.

Candidate Profile:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practicing certificate in England and Wales, or equivalent international qualification with eligibility to practice in the UK.
• 5-10 years’ PQE with proven experience in ESG, environmental law, or corporate governance, ideally with exposure to international markets.
• Strong knowledge of global ESG regulations and frameworks, including those in the EU, US, Asia, and other key regions.
• Experience in the retail, fashion, or consumer goods sector with a global scope is highly desirable.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across cultures and jurisdictions.
• Commercially astute, collaborative, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Passionate about sustainability and ethical business practices, with a commitment to driving global impact.