Legal Counsel

Saputo; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Weybridge is seeking a newly qualified solicitor to join their in-house Legal Team. As a Legal Counsel, you will negotiate and draft commercial agreements, advise on compliance with legislation, and manage disputes. The ideal candidate will have experience in commercial contracts and strong negotiation skills. The role offers a range of employee benefits including private health care, a bonus scheme, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Private Health Care

Bonus scheme up to 10%

Flexible and hybrid working

Autonomous working environment

Enhanced employer pension contributions

Health cash plan

Life assurance

25 holidays

Discounted products

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Must be a newly qualified or 1-2 years PQE UK commercial solicitor.
• Excellent reviewing, drafting and negotiation skills required.
• Proactive and commercially savvy individual sought.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and draft commercial agreements.
• Provide legal advice on procurement contracts.
• Advise on compliance with legislation and data protection.
• Manage disputes with suppliers and customers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Commercial contract experience

Strong communication skills

Proactive collaboration

Education

UK solicitor qualified or 1-2 years PQE

Job description

At Saputo we bring good to the table by making high‑quality products investing in our people and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive growth‑driven work environment. Ready to bring your best

Hear from our Head of Legal – this is a really exciting opportunity for an early‑career professional looking to step into the FMCG sector with extensive opportunities to work across a range of activities from commercial contracts to marketing initiatives and influencer agreements.

We are looking for a newly qualified solicitor to join our in‑house Legal Team at the UK Head Office of our business with iconic British brands such as Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight, Davidstow and Wensleydale – household names loved by millions. Saputo Dairy UK is part of Saputo Inc., a top‑ten global dairy company offering the best of both worlds: the agility and warmth of a dedicated UK business with the support and resources of a global group. Our commitment to sustainability, innovation and quality makes us a leader in the UK food industry.

You’ll be part of a dynamic friendly team and a much larger global network of Saputo lawyers in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China and the USA. We regularly collaborate on global projects and share best practices.

As Legal Counsel you’ll be a legal business partner building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the business, providing clear pragmatic advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives. You will be working closely with commercial procurement, marketing, supply chain and leadership teams to deliver practical and strategic legal advice.

You’ll make contributions that matter by

• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing commercial agreements for supply distribution, logistics, co‑manufacturing and strategic customer partnerships.
• Advising on direct and indirect procurement contracts considering sustainability and risk management.
• Advising on trademarks, copyright and brand enforcement.
• Supporting high‑profile marketing campaigns, influencer, licensing, sponsorship and digital initiatives – and ensuring compliance with advertising law.
• Advising the business on compliance with legislation, policies and incident response regarding GDPR and Data Protection.
• Providing training and advice on ethical business conduct, creating and updating policies on topics such as anti‑bribery, fraud prevention, corporate criminal offences and company secretarial matters.
• Managing and resolving disputes with suppliers, customers and consumers.

You’re best suited for the role if you are

• A newly qualified or 1‑2 years PQE UK commercial solicitor with general commercial contract experience.
• Able to demonstrate excellent reviewing, drafting and negotiation skills and can provide commercial legal advice to all areas of the business.
• Able to demonstrate strong communication skills with the ability to adapt your communication style to suit your audience.
• Proactive, collaborative and commercially savvy who can work independently and as part of a team.
• Keen to join the FMCG industry with a personal desire to upskill and further your knowledge.

We support and care for our employees by providing you with

• Private Health Care
• Bonus scheme up to 10% paid quarterly
• Flexible and hybrid working approach to balance work/life needs subject to business agreement.
• Autonomous and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Health cash plan – claim money back towards essential healthcare such as dental eye care etc.
• Access to Thrive 24‑hours a day – a leading and NHS clinically approved app focused on general wellbeing.
• Long service recognised every 5 years
• Life assurance up to 4 × contractual pay
• Discounted SDUK branded products
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• 25 holidays, 8 bank holidays
• One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institution of your choice
• Opportunity to swap traditional UK holidays for dates significant to your cultural and religious beliefs
• My Staff Shop – access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings, providing great discounts from thousands of the UK’s largest retailers & service providers.

#SDUK2025

Agencies – thank you for your interest in working with Saputo Dairy UK. We have a PSL who will be supporting us if needed. We do not pay fees or acknowledge any CVs supplied to Saputo Dairy UK unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.

In the UK Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value‑added ingredients. We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads and dairy‑free products with a portfolio of well‑loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight, and Wensleydale.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance or any other function, your role is integral to our success.

You will make contributions that matter all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non‑physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1