Legal Counsel

Sodexo; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading services company in the UK is looking for a Legal Counsel to provide pragmatic legal and commercial advice that supports the company's strategic goals. This role requires a qualified solicitor with expertise in construction law, aiming to manage legal risks and ensure compliance. The successful candidate will handle contract negotiations and assist various business functions while fostering internal and external relationships. This position offers a competitive salary with over 20 attractive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Retirement plan

Gym discounts

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with strong academics.
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction).
• Strong technical knowledge and expertise in construction law.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective legal and commercial advice.
• Review, draft, and negotiate construction and facilities management contracts.
• Advise on and negotiate standard forms of UK contracts.

Skills

Construction law expertise

Commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in law or equivalent

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Overview

Legal Counsel - Hybrid - London or Manchester based. We are looking for a Legal Counsel/Construction lawyer to provide clear, pragmatic legal and commercial advice that supports Sodexo UK&I's strategic goals. This role will help guide the business through complex decisions, manage risk effectively, and deliver commercially focused solutions that enable confident, compliant operations across a dynamic organisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective legal and commercial advice and assistance as required by the Segments/Functions supported
• Review, draft and negotiate construction and facilities management contracts and PFI variations
• Advise on, draft, review and negotiate a range of standard forms of UK contracts such as NEC4, JCT, Model Forms of contract, complex infrastructure projects and bespoke contracts and queries
• Draft, review and negotiate professional appointments for design, scope of services, fee structures and contractual terms
• Prepare and negotiate collateral warranties and security documents
• 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 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
• Provide preliminary advice on disputes and litigation
• Ensure compliance with company policies and Legal Department processes

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with strong academics
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction) (guide 2-4 PQE)
• Qualification gained in top tier law firm and in-house legal experience in relevant industry desirable
• Strong technical knowledge and expertise in construction law, with a proven ability to advise on complex matters
• Demonstrated experience in advising on, reviewing, drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts including all standard forms of UK contracts such as NEC4, JCT, Model Forms of contract and complex infrastructure projects
• Experienced in drafting and negotiating professional appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and associated project documentation
• Strong commercial awareness
• Sound judgment and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage internal and external relationships successfully

Package Description / Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience. 20+ Sodexo benefits including retirement plan, discounts to over 1, brands to shop online, gym discounts, and a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome life’s obstacles, including emotional support, legal and financial advice. For further details please see attached.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. We are the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, operating in 55 countries and serving millions of consumers daily across On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services, and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We are an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome to be themselves. We recognise we are on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

How to Apply

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