Senior Legal Counsel

Motus Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in the UK seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advice across various business functions. You will negotiate and draft commercial agreements, guide on compliance with laws, and help shape business strategy. This hybrid role requires a qualified lawyer with 5+ years of experience who can build strong stakeholder relationships and deliver pragmatic legal solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ pqe and currently working in-house or at a law firm.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Able to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, draft, and review commercial agreements.
• Provide legal guidance on trademarks, copyright, and patents.
• Advise on data protection compliance and internal policies.

Skills

Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts

Building relationships with stakeholders

Providing pragmatic legal advice

Translating complex legal issues

Risk management

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel 5+ Surrey - Hybrid

Leading FMCG Company that owns a range of leading brands found in all of the leading supermarkets is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you will be part of a global business that has operations in North America, South America, China and Australia; with each market having its own unique dynamic. As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be a true legal business partner, building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, providing clear, pragmatic advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives, influencing decision-making and helping shape business strategy. Key business relationships will include: supply chain, marketing, procurement, commercial, IT and senior management to help deliver sound legal advice that both maximises and protects the business in equal measure.

Key responsibilities:

• Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing a wide range of commercial agreements, including those for supply, distribution, logistics, co-manufacturing, and strategic customer partnerships. Advising on direct and indirect procurement contracts, with a focus on sustainability, risk management, and commercial value. Providing legal guidance on trademarks, copyright, patents, and brand enforcement to safeguard the company’s IP assets. Supporting high-profile marketing campaigns, influencer and sponsorship agreements, licensing deals, and digital initiatives, while ensuring compliance with advertising laws. Delivering practical compliance advice and training to help the business navigate competition law requirements. Advising on data protection compliance, internal policies, and incident response strategies to ensure alignment with GDPR and related legislation. Offering training and legal support on ethical business conduct, and maintaining policies on anti-bribery, fraud prevention, and corporate criminal offences. Managing and resolving disputes involving suppliers, customers, and consumers, with a focus on risk mitigation and commercial outcomes. Assisting with corporate transactions such as asset sales, purchases, and joint ventures, including due diligence, disclosure, and pre- and post-completion matters.

Key Criteria

• 5+ pqe and currently working in-house or at a law firm Skilled in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, and the ability to provide robust yet pragmatic legal advice across the business. Able to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels Confident in translating complex legal issues into practical, commercially sound solutions, balancing legal risk with business objectives. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

This is a hybrid role with 3 days per week in the office. Applications will be considered both from lawyers looking to make key next step in their career and from experienced lawyers looking for a Senior Legal Counsel role.