Legal Counsel - Regulatory and Government Affairs

Wayfair; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Legal Counsel in London, where you will navigate complex regulatory landscapes for consumer products across the UK and EU. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with product safety regulations and engaging with regulatory authorities. Ideal for a motivated individual with a strong legal background, you will play a crucial role in risk mitigation and support strategic initiatives. If you are looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years PQE in corporate, regulatory, or commercial law.
• Experience in UK and EU product safety and consumer protection is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance on product safety regulations and consumer protection laws.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support legal compliance initiatives.

Skills

Regulatory Affairs

Product Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Risk Mitigation

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated Legal Counsel (NQ - 3 years PQE) to join our London-based Legal team. In this role, you will provide legal guidance on day-to-day legal matters with a focus on regulatory requirements for marketing and selling consumer products across the EU and UK. You will collaborate with senior legal counsel and cross-functional teams to navigate evolving regulations, mitigate risks, and support operational and strategic initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

1. Product & Retail Compliance: Provide legal guidance on product safety regulations, labelling, recalls, and consumer protection laws in the UK and EU.
2. Regulatory Affairs: Support engagement with regulatory authorities such as the UK’s OPSS and EU market surveillance authorities.
3. Trade Compliance: Ensure adherence to UK and EU trade regulations, including import/export controls and customs.
4. General UK Legal Matters: Advise on compliance with advertising, marketing, and e-commerce laws.
5. Denied Party Compliance Programs: Support sanctions screening and forced labour compliance efforts.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams including Merchandising, Engineering, Operations, and Commercial to provide legal support.
7. Regulatory Monitoring & Risk Mitigation: Track legal changes and implement risk strategies with senior counsel.
8. ESG and Circular Economy Compliance: Support initiatives related to circular economy and ESG, including Extended Producer Responsibilities.

What You’ll Need:

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with 0-3 years PQE in corporate, regulatory, or commercial law.
• Experience in UK and EU product safety and consumer protection is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and proactive risk mitigation approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• In-house experience in retail, e-commerce, or regulated industries is a plus but not required.