Senior Legal Advisor

LUSH; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the cosmetics sector is seeking a Senior Legal Advisor based in Paris to oversee legal matters for its retail operations in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The role demands expertise in French law, particularly in HR and commercial contexts, and offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals looking to make an impact. Join a team that values diversity and aims to make a positive contribution to society.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of proven legal experience in-house or at a law firm.
• Deep knowledge of French Employment & Labour Law and Commercial Law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on French HR matters and business law.
• Manage contract lifecycle and ensure compliance with legal regulations.
• Support HR during interactions with French staff representative bodies.

Skills

Fluent French

Professional proficiency in English

Strong legal analysis

Negotiation skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in French Law

Job description

Diversity matters

We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It's what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future.

We see you, we celebrate you, we want you!

Who we are

You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there's more to this great-smelling, partly employee-owned, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good.

The opportunity

Are you an experienced legal professional ready to take the lead? We are seeking a motivated Senior Legal Advisor to support our extensive retail operations across France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Based in Paris, you will be the legal expert for our 39 stores in France, navigating French legal landscape—covering HR/Labour law and Commercial law—and collaborating on matters concerning Belgium and Luxembourg.

This role focuses on ensuring compliance, managing legal risk, and providing strategic counsel in a fast-paced retail environment. You'll be part of our international legal team, with opportunities to support our operations in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Please note: We may close this vacancy early if we receive an overwhelming response or if business needs change.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide legal advice on French HR matters (employment law, labour relations, contracts, disciplinary issues, litigation).
2. Work to reduce legal fees.
3. Advise operational teams and senior leadership on French business law (compliance, commercial contracts, consumer law, IP).
4. Manage contract lifecycle: drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and adapting commercial agreements and T&Cs for France.
5. Monitor legal and regulatory changes in France, ensuring compliance.
6. Support HR during interactions with French staff representative bodies (e.g., CSE).
7. Draft, review, and validate legal documents and policies applicable to France.
8. Lead or support contract negotiations to achieve compliant and commercially sound outcomes.
9. Assist Retail Managers as needed.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

1. Master's degree in French Law (Master 1 or 2), with specialization in Labour Law or Business/Commercial Law preferred.
2. 5-7 years of proven legal experience, either in-house at an international company or at a reputable French law firm.
3. Deep knowledge of French Employment & Labour Law, Commercial & Contract Law, and business compliance.
4. Fluent French (native/near-native) and professional proficiency in English.
5. GDPR knowledge; retail/cosmetics sector experience; knowledge of BE/LUX labour law; French Bar admission (Avocat) is a plus.
6. Strong legal analysis, drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills.
7. Excellent project management, organization, and prioritization abilities.
8. Proactive, independent, solutions-oriented work ethic.
9. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable with advising senior leadership.
10. Experience working with staff representative bodies.
11. Collaborative team player within an international structure.
12. High ethical standards and professional integrity.