Legal Counsel

Sodexo; London, Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support for UK operations. The role involves advising on legal matters, drafting contracts, ensuring compliance, and managing legal risks in a dynamic environment. This position offers competitive salary, annual bonus, and excellent benefits in a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts at over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Confidential support for emotional, legal, and financial issues

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with strong academics.
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or equivalent jurisdiction (mid-level 4+ years qualification).
• Experience in commercial law and contracts essential.

Responsibilities

• Providing legal advice and support to the Government services business.
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Advising on regulatory compliance and managing disputes.

Skills

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Public Procurement knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Commercially pragmatic approach

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Job description

At Sodexo, our Legal Counsel is more than just a legal expert-you're a trusted advisor and a vital part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and excellence. In this role, you'll apply your legal expertise to support and shape the success of our UK operations.

You'll work on a wide range of complex and dynamic legal matters, including:

• Advising on, drafting and negotiating high-value outsourcing contracts
• Navigating public procurement processes
• Ensuring compliance with evolving regulations

Your guidance will be instrumental in protecting our business, managing risk, and enabling strategic growth.This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact while advancing your legal career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Join us and thrive in a role where your contributions truly matter.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing effective legal and commercial advice and support to our Government services business
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts (client, supplier facing, partnerships)
• Advising on PFI, large complex projects and outsourcing contracts, variations and disputes
• Assisting the business on the assessment and management of legal and commercial risk
• Delivering training on legal, commercial and regulatory issues
• Helping to ensure that business is conducted in accordance with relevant law and Sodexo's internal governance processes
• Instructing external lawyers and managing legal fees
• Managing disputes and litigation
• Advising on regulatory compliance

The Ideal Candidate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with strong academics
• Qualification gained in leading law firm and in-house legal experience in relevant industry desirable
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or equivalent jurisdiction (mid-level 4+ years qualification)
• Demonstrated experience of commercial law and contracts (from supply chain contracts to large high value client facing outsourcing contracts)
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Public Procurement knowledge and experience
• PFI or similar complex structured projects and multipartite transactions
• Ability to manage complex transactions and competing priorities in a fast pace environment
• Commercially pragmatic and solutions-focused approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Package Description

Competitive Salary + Annual Bonus + Excellent benefits package

Hybrid working - 2 days from office

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.

You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer.We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.