Legal Counsel UK&I

BAT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global multi-category business in Greater London is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide strategic leadership and robust legal advice in the UK&I. This role requires a qualified lawyer with over 2 years PQE in commercial practice, strong stakeholder management skills, and experience in regulated industries. You will manage legal risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and contribute to the company's strategic goals. Join a diverse, inclusive environment that champions internal advancement and personal growth.

Benefits

Market leading annual performance bonus

Diverse health plans

Flexible holiday plan

Access to online learning platforms

Career development programmes

Qualifications

• 2+ years PQE in commercial and corporate practice, in-house or private practice.
• Experience in advising on a wide range of commercial issues, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Ability to think strategically and act commercially.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Legal with legal matters in the UK&I.
• Provide legal advice to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
• Manage compliance risks and embed the Group’s compliance strategy.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Legal and regulatory advice

Commercial judgement

Strategic thinking

Written and verbal communication

Education

Qualified Lawyer licensed to practice in the UK

Job description

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together.

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel UK&I in London, Chiswick.

The role is expected to support the Head of Legal with the provision of strategic leadership and robust advice on all legal matters in UK&I.

The job holder will provide the business with quality commercial and legal advice, guidance, leadership and support; consistently manage and ensure that commercial issues are addressed and legal risks are minimised; ensuring legislative and internal standards and principles compliance; provide legislative guidance and support to the company’s regulatory efforts; see opportunities for improved ways or working and actively participate in problem‑solving and decision‑making in all areas of the business, enabling the business to achieve its strategic and company plan objectives.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Support the Head of Legal with the strategic leadership of legal matters in UK&I. Provide legal advice across the End Market/Cluster (UK&I) to ensure compliance with all applicable regulation and BAT policies and procedures, ensuring that decisions are taken in accordance with the Group's policies and guidelines, and that all appropriate Legal and reputational considerations and options are factored in.
• Support the effective deployment of Global, Regional, and Area Legal strategies in the UK&I End Market/Cluster. This includes managing law firms and other third‑party suppliers.
• Contribute to the realisation of the company’s vision and strategies.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve efficiencies and ways of working, and propose innovative solutions to address the same.
• Support the effective management of all compliance risks (competition law, anti‑bribery, GDPR etc.) and embed the Group’s compliance strategy including policies and procedures, processes, risk assessment, monitoring, training, and communication in the End Market/Cluster (UK&I).
• Protect the commercial interests and corporate reputation of the business to ensure sustainability.
• Support the effective management of commercial and strategic litigation in collaboration with the central litigation team and eliminate or minimise potentially significant financial and reputational consequences.
• Provide strategic counselling to the business regarding marketing activities and general corporate and commercial matters such as commercial agreements, trading and distribution agreements, services agreements etc.
• Advise the business strategically on general product compliance and other regulatory matters.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified Lawyer (licensed to practise in the UK) with 2+ years’ PQE in commercial and corporate practice (either in‑house or in private practice), with a proven track record of advising on legal and regulatory matters.
• Experience in counselling clients or businesses on a wide range of general commercial issues, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, and ability to plan, anticipate and manage priorities to optimise output and improve the efficiency of commercial solutions.
• Ability to influence and foster buy‑in from people at senior management levels and across peers and juniors.
• Highly articulate confident individual with excellent written communication, presentational and drafting skills.
• Capable of communicating fluently in written and spoken English.
• Hands‑on, adaptable and pro‑active attitude, sound commercial judgement and with an ability to work under pressure and to cope with unexpected and varied demands.
• Experience working with legal regulatory frameworks is strongly preferred e.g., within Tobacco, Food, Pharma or FMCG.
• Ability to think strategically and acting commercially.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work‑life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You’ll have access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio‑economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners programme, we provide support to professionals seeking to re‑enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award‑winning employee experience here.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.