Group Legal Counsel

Colart; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading art supplies company in London is seeking a Group Legal Counsel to drive legal and strategic success. The role involves providing in-house legal services, ensuring corporate compliance, and serving as Company Secretary. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with 3+ years PQE, and experience in multinational environments is advantageous. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from £85,000 to £100,000, with benefits including a hybrid working model, comprehensive healthcare, and annual leave.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare

Pension scheme

Colart product discounts

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with current practicing certificate.
• Experience in or with a global multi-national business.
• Strong understanding of trademarks and domain portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Ensure legal compliance across the portfolio.
• Provide in-house counsel to senior leadership.
• Support CFO in developing legal strategy.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Corporate / Commercial Law

Strong understanding of Company Secretarial duties

Ability to manage external legal advice

Curiosity and adaptability

Education

Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE

Job description

Are you ready to play a key role in driving the legal and strategic success of our company? We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our team as Group Legal Counsel.

Location : White City, West London (with the expectation of at least 3 days a week in the office)

Salary : from £85,000-£100,000 per annum with a bonus potential of up to 10%

Benefits : Comprehensive package including pension scheme, life insurance, private healthcare, employee assistance program, 25 days annual leave, Colart product discounts, hybrid working model

Reports to : Chief Financial Officer

Your Role as Group Legal Counsel :

You will contribute to the success of the Colart Group by providing professional in-house legal services, acting as a qualified solicitor and corporate / commercial lawyer. Initial training in a UK law firm followed by experience in an in-house legal role within a multinational business would be a particular advantage. Given the nature of the role, we are particularly keen to hear from lawyers between the 3 to 5 year PQE mark. Acting as the sole legal role within the Group, you will be expected to liaise with external legal advisors as necessary on specialist matters. You will also serve as Company Secretary for UK entities, ensuring compliance across all Colart companies.

Key Responsibilities :

Corporate Compliance

• Ensure legal compliance across Colart’s portfolio in collaboration with the Regulatory team
• Review advertising and marketing materials for legal compliance
• Train employees on data protection, bribery, corruption and competition law
• Manage the corporate policy register and incident hotline

Legal Advice and Litigation

• Provide in-house counsel to senior leadership team and key stakeholders
• Support CFO in developing legal strategy
• Advise on litigation and pre-litigation matters
• Deliver legal training and research cross-border legal issues
• Support HR on employment matters

Business Development

• Assist with joint ventures, partnerships and M&A
• Advise on contract status, legal risks and business terms

Corporate, Commercial and IP

• Lead commercial negotiations and contract reviews
• Monitor legislative changes
• Oversee trademark and IP strategy
• Coordinate external legal advice and support pension scheme legal aspects

Company Secretary Duties

• Serve as Company Secretary for UK holding companies
• Maintain legal entity register and secure legal documentation
• Act as signatory and manage Company Secretarial documentation

Qualifications and Experience :

• Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE and a current practicing certificate for England and Wales
• Experience in or with a global multi-national business
• Strong understanding of Company Secretarial duties, trademarks and domain portfolio management
• Ability to manage external legal advice in a fast-paced environment
• Ideal for candidates from larger in‑house legal teams seeking a more autonomous role
• Curiosity and adaptability are key due to the broad scope of the role

About Colart :

At Colart our mission is “inspire every artist in the world.” We take pride in our heritage brands and the passionate people who bring them to life. We have nearly 900 employees across 12 countries and our products are sold in over 130 countries.

Colart Group is the parent company of iconic art brands like Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Lefranc Bourgeois, Conté à Paris, Charbonnel, Snazaroo and reeves. We develop innovative products that inspire creativity at all levels, from professionals to hobbyists and students.

Proudly B Corp certified, we are committed to sustainability with science‑based carbon reduction targets, creating financial, environmental, and social value. Sustainability shapes our culture, reducing environmental impact and enhancing social contributions through community engagement and artist wellbeing.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion :

Many Voices. One Community. We are committed to being a company of choice, creating a workplace where every individual thrives, both professionally and personally.

If you are passionate about legal strategy and governance and have the skills to lead and influence across a broad remit, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and contribute to our continued success.

If you are interested in this role, please click to apply online.