Legal Counsel - 12 months fixed term contract

Sodexo; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading global service provider in London is seeking a Legal Counsel to support contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. This position requires a qualified solicitor with strong communication skills and the ability to navigate commercial challenges effectively. The successful candidate will engage in contract drafting, provide legal advice, and collaborate with various teams to manage legal and commercial risks. This role offers a competitive salary and various benefits including a retirement plan and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK or equivalent jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience relevant to the role.
• Ability to advise on legal and commercial options.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Providing effective legal and commercial advice.
• Draft and negotiate contracts.
• Assisting with legal and commercial risk management.
• Training on legal, commercial and regulatory issues.
• Managing relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Legal and commercial advice

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Good communication skills

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

We are looking for a commercially focused Legal Counsel to support the business through contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management. You will help balance commercial growth with legal protection, guide the organisation through structural change, and support the expanding non food FM services portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who can operate efficiently in a fast paced, competitive environment while managing legal, financial, and reputational risk.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing effective legal and commercial advice and assistance as required by the Segments/Functions supported
• Draft and negotiate contracts
• Assist the Segments/Functions supported regarding the assessment and management of legal and commercial risk
• Train the Segments/Functions supported on legal, commercial and regulatory issues
• Help to ensure that business is conducted in accordance with relevant law and Sodexo's internal governance processes
• Instruct external lawyers and manage external legal fees under appropriate supervision
• Work collaboratively with all members of the UK&I Legal Department
• Provide preliminary advice on disputes
• Advise on regulatory compliance
• Comply with company policies and Legal Department processes

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK or equivalent jurisdiction
• Demonstrated experience of the law, contracts and practice relevant to the Segments/Functions supported
• Ability to advise on legal and commercial options
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage relationships successfully with Sodexo representatives

Package Description

Competitive salary depending on experience

32 hours a week

4 days a week

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 offer 20+ 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.