Legal Counsel

Debenhamsgroup; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Company pension

Share schemes

Private medical cover

Life assurance

On-site gym

Free fitness classes

Brand discounts

Wellbeing package

Dog-friendly offices

Learning & development

On-site canteen

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Debenhams Group is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to advise on a broad range of legal matters across the Group. The role reports to the operating board, plc board and non-executive directors and involves collaboration with multiple brands and labels from our Manchester base.

You will provide commercial and legal guidance across contracts, data protection, advertising, corporate, consumer law, employment, IP, property and litigation.

Qualifications

• Qualified and practising solicitor.
• PQE not essential; 2+ years experience acceptable.
• In-house experience at an ecommerce business and/or strong commercial contract experience desirable.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to roll up sleeves to provide solutions.

Responsibilities

• Take active ownership in supporting the legal team across the group with commercial, data protection, advertising, corporate, consumer, employment, IP, property and litigation matters.
• Provide legal advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters.
• Help determine and implement the legal team strategy and drive brand strategies.
• Proactively improve processes and how work is done.
• Prepare and deliver business-wide training.
• Stay updated on legislation and market developments.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Education

Solicitor qualification (UK) or equivalent

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

THE ROLE

At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.

We are looking to hire an experienced Legal Counsel to advise on general legal matters across the Debenhams Group. The role will involve supporting the legal team’s function in reporting to the operating board, plc board and the non-executive directors.

The role will closely work with a number of different business operations across a variety of territories. We have 5 different brands and 8 labels - it’s fairly busy! So it’s important you’re able to quickly adapt to different people, situations and areas of advice and have fun along the way.

The role will be varied and diverse. You will have opportunity to work on challenging but satisfying matters and really feel part of a commercial team that is driving the business forward. The business is passionate, entrepreneurial and driven and there is an expectation that you will work with that ethos.

You must be capable of autonomously working to tight deadlines and under pressure . As such, you must be responsive, proactive and able to effectively manage deadlines and stakeholders.

This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• You will take active ownership in managing and supporting the legal team in completing and advising on a range of matters across the group. The nature of the business will mean the role will require a keen commercial acumen as the business will look to you for strategic advice on matters that are not solely legal.
• You will provide legal advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters across the business. This may include commercial contracts, data protection, advertising, corporate, consumer law, employment, intellectual property, property and litigation. The business is incredibly agile and it is likely a wide range of matters will arise which require your support.
• Take an active role in determining and implementing the legal team strategy and working with the business to drive the individual brand strategies.
• Ensure you proactively think about how we can improve what and how we do things.
• Prepare and deliver business wide training across a variety of topics.
• Stay up to date with new legislation and key developments in our market to ensure the business is briefed and ready for any changes.

Team & Management

• You will have the opportunity to work closely with the team’s Head of Legal, Senior Legal Counsel and Paralegal.
• You will lead by example and be a role model for the team. You will help to continue to maintain the credibility of the legal team across the group, which is already well established and highly respected across the group.
• Identify the need for external legal advice and exercise appropriate cost management and control when using external advisors.
• Work proactively to identify training needs across the legal team and support their development and growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external legal advisors.
• Project manage key projects to ensure they are being driven forward.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Qualified and practising solicitor.
• We are not focused on PQE but rather the output you deliver. Whilst it would be beneficial for an individual to have 2+ years PQE this is not essential for the role. We would still love to hear from you if you think this is an opportunity for you.
• In-house experience at an ecommerce business and/or strong commercial contract experience is desired but not essential.
• It’s crucial that you have a positive ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to just get stuck in. We are a team that doesn’t like to say no, we like to advise with a solutions led focus rather than present problems!

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

WHY JOIN US

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.

2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.

Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
• Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
• Discount across all brands
• Comprehensive wellbeing package
• Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
• Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
• Free season ticket loan

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