Legal Counsel - Head Office

LIDL; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 77,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days holiday

Company car or car allowance

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

London Weighting 10%

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Lidl UK is seeking a qualified solicitor to join its Legal & Compliance team in a hybrid role, focusing on property and acquisitions. You will draft, review and negotiate real estate contracts and leases, and support portfolio transactions across the business.

You will advise on regulatory risks, coordinate cross-border matters with teams (e.g., Germany), mentor junior colleagues, and help drive efficient real estate processes in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in Commercial Real Estate/Property Law in-house.
• Conveyancing experience is beneficial but not essential.
• German language is beneficial.
• Ability to act as a solutions-focused commercial partner with fast-paced store launches.
• Strong communication, multitasking and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review real estate contracts and leases.
• Advise on regulatory risks and compliance for real estate.
• Lead property transactions and portfolio management support.
• Coordinate cross-border matters with teams (e.g., Germany).
• Support Head of Legal on major property projects and external counsel coordination.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Real estate law

In-house experience

German language

Commercial awareness

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Summary £77,000

Up to £103,400 per annum | 35 days' holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a whole lot in common. We're curious, collaborative, and ready to make a tangible impact on where we work. Just like you. Our Legal & Compliance Department is seeking a confident, driven and proactive individual to join the Legal team. This engaging role offers responsibility and variety within a department that ensures the company's legal requirements are met efficiently and effectively. The successful candidate will be providing legal guidance for the Property and Acquisitions team to ensure the achievement of business objectives are met whilst minimising the legal risks. In this role you are responsible for drafting and reviewing Property related contracts as well as supporting contract negotiations. This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive and experienced individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can deliver workable legal solutions to our large multi-faceted business. If you are ready to discover More to Value by making a tangible, lasting impact on our expansive property portfolio while elevating your legal career, we want to hear from you. We have moved to a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office per week for appropriate Head Office and Regional roles, empowering our teams to choose how and where they work best. We feel it is important that, where possible, we offer our colleagues as much flexibility as possible and trust our teams to determine the right environments that work most effectively for them. At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you'll find the work/life balance you need to thrive. "To Keep in line with company structure this role will be called Legal Senior Consultant internally"

What you’ll do

Drafting and maintaining real estate contract templates, including commercial leases, agreements for lease, and freehold purchase agreements, ensuring full compliance with property law, Land Registry requirements, and internal risk guidelines. Monitoring developments in real estate legislation (e.g., Landlord and Tenant Acts, Building Safety Act, planning regulations) and property case law, delivering timely, actionable advice to the estates and acquisitions teams. Advising key stakeholders on real estate legal risks, regulatory compliance, and mitigation strategies concerning title defects, dilapidations, break clauses, and environmental liabilities. Designing and implementing streamlined processes for property transactions, portfolio management, and stakeholder reporting to enhance efficiency across the real estate life cycle. Assisting the Head of Legal with high-level strategic real estate projects, such as major portfolio acquisitions or site restructurings, alongside aiding in the onboarding and mentoring of new legal team members. Identifying complex real estate matters requiring external counsel, such as highly complex title issues, specialised planning disputes, or significant property litigation. Partnering with the Legal & Compliance Director and Head of Legal to oversee, instruct and manage external law firms on major property transactions spanning freehold acquisitions, strategic disposals, and complex leaseholds ensuring high-quality service and cost-effectiveness. Collaborating with international colleagues (e.g., in Germany) on cross-border real estate strategies, global property portfolio alignment, and corporate reporting. Supporting the wider team on corporate real estate matters.

What you’ll need

A qualified Solicitor is essential Experience in Commercial Real Estate/Property Law in-house Conveyancing experience is beneficial but not essential. A strong interest in commercial law and willingness to get involved in other legal related topics as the business requires. German language is beneficial. Experience in Retail/ FMCG/ Consumer goods industry is ideal but not essential. Ability to act as a solutions-focused commercial partner, balancing a sharp eye for legal detail with big-picture thinking to deliver pragmatic, risk-proportionate advice that prioritises fast-paced store launches and commercial progress. An excellent communicator and multi-tasker with exceptional organisational abilities. Ability to work independently, managing conflicting priorities with ease and efficiency. Motivated and proactive, with an eagerness to learn and develop. Due to the sensitivity of material held by the team, discretion and adherence to security processes are absolute requirements for the role.

What you’ll receive

35 days' holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) Company Car or Car Allowance Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Pension scheme Plus, more of the perks you deserve. To find out a Lidl bit more visit our benefits page to see for yourself!

Includes 10% non contractual London Weighting

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Please note your employment is conditional upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory references and if requested by the Company, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you're ready