ESG Senior Legal Cousel, Retail

JR United Kingdom; York; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high street fashion retailer is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead on ESG initiatives and provide strategic legal guidance within a collaborative legal team. This role is pivotal in aligning legal practices with sustainability, ethics, and corporate responsibility, requiring a strong background in commercial law and at least 7 years of PQE. Experience in retail and a passion for sustainability are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years PQE and strong background in commercial or regulatory law.
• Experience advising on ESG, sustainability, or ethical compliance matters.
• In-house retail or consumer goods experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver legal support on ESG initiatives including sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• Advise on regulatory and compliance issues.
• Support implementation of ESG governance frameworks.

Skills

Commercial law

Regulatory compliance

ESG

Sustainability

Business acumen

Job description

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Our client, a dynamic and much-loved high street fashion retailer, is seeking a strategic ESG-focussed Senior Legal Counsel to join its collaborative and forward-thinking legal team. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the brands legal and ESG agenda as it continues to push the boundaries in sustainability, ethics and responsible growth.

About the role

As a senior member of the legal team, you will provide expert legal guidance and strategic input across a broad spectrum of legal matters with a particular focus on ESG as well as some regulatory compliance and commercial contracts. You will play a key part in embedding responsible business practices into the brands operations and supply chains. Key highlights of the role include:

• Delivering legal and strategic support on ESG-related initiatives, including sustainability, supply chain ethics, diversity, and corporate responsibility.
• Advising on regulatory and compliance issues.
• Supporting the Head of Legal and senior leadership in implementing and monitoring ESG governance frameworks.
• Working closely with key stakeholders across legal, sustainability, procurement, and operations to align legal risk with the brand’s values and ESG goals.
• Advising on reputational risk and handling related disputes or investigations.
• This is a commercially focused role requiring strong business acumen, passion for sustainability, and a solutions-driven mindset in a fast-paced retail environment.

Requirements

• 7+ years’ PQE, with a strong background in commercial or regulatory law
• Experience advising on ESG, sustainability, or ethical compliance matters is essential
• In-house retail or consumer goods experience (or secondment) strongly preferred
• Confident working cross-functionally with a wide variety of stakeholders.