Legal Counsel

Aramark; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service provider in the UK is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal support for various businesses. The successful candidate will draft and negotiate supply chain contracts, manage legal risks, and advise on compliance. This role requires a UK-qualified lawyer with at least 3 years PQE. Candidates should possess strong negotiation skills and the ability to build partnerships. The position offers flexibility to work remotely, alongside competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Defined contribution pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Employee benefit scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to in-house culinary events

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years PQE, ideally 4-5 years, in UK law.
• Experience in advising and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• In-house experience is a plus but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate supply chain agreements.
• Provide legal support to acquired businesses.
• Manage legal risk and ensure compliance with governance standards.
• Oversee litigation matters and coordinate with external counsel.

Skills

Negotiating complex commercial contracts

Commercial mindset

Building business relationships

Excellent communication skills

Organizational abilities

Education

UK-qualified lawyer with minimum 3 years PQE

Job description

Aramark UK is looking to recruit a Legal Counsel to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for a UK-qualified lawyer to play a key role supporting both our Avendra business and our acquired businesses, including Graysons, One Circle, St James, and Wilson Vale.

The successful candidate will work across these areas, providing expert legal advice and hands-on support, with a particular focus on supply chain contracts and commercial matters. The role requires someone who can balance priorities and allocate their time effectively across different business units. You'll provide commercial advice across various areas, including company law and secretarial support, while working closely with senior stakeholders (including board-level).

Reporting to the VP & Assistant General Counsel, this position offers flexibility to work remotely some of the week. There is an expectation to travel to London at least once a week for team meetings and to travel further afield, when required, to meet the needs of the business.

About Aramark UK

Welcome to your ultimate food service partner, revolutionising the way organisations across the UK dine. With a dynamic team of over 10,000 passionate professionals, we’re here to elevate your food experience, wherever you are - be it in Business and Industry, Sports and Entertainment, Education or Defence.

Every single day, we whip up over 265,000 delicious meals, keeping our customers satisfied and energised. Join us on our exciting growth journey!

Key responsibilities

• Supply Chain Contracts : Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of supply chain agreements, including supplier contracts, procurement agreements, and related commercial documentation.
• Acquired Companies Support : Provide legal support to acquired businesses (Graysons, One Circle, St James, Wilson Vale), ensuring their contracts and commercial arrangements align with group standards and risk appetite.
• Provide strategic legal advice to support the company’s commercial goals
• Manage legal risk and ensure compliance with internal and group governance standards
• Implement and deliver training on contract administration, covering everything from tender to negotiation, amendments and termination
• Draft and review non-core agreements like NDAs and consultancy contracts
• Oversee litigation matters, coordinating with external counsel as needed
• Support the company secretary with corporate governance matters under UK law
• Assist with additional legal matters as required

Key requirements

• UK-qualified lawyer with a minimum of 3 years PQE (ideally 4-5), eligible to work in the UK
• Proven track record in advising and negotiating complex commercial contracts, particularly subcontracts with flow-down terms in the government sector
• Proactive and commercial mindset, skilled at identifying solutions and managing risk to support business goals
• Ability to build strong business relationships
• In-house experience is a plus but not essential
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities
• A strong work ethic and the ability to prioritise in a fast-changing environment

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary
• Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance benefits
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Access to an employee benefit scheme that offers discounts across hundreds of retail and leisure providers
• Employee Assistance Programme and in-house Mental Health Champions
• FOOD! A plethora of opportunities to attend in-house events and try out the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.