Senior Legal Counsel - 18m FTC

Tesco; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food & drink wholesaler is seeking an experienced lawyer to provide expert legal advice and lead compliance initiatives. The role involves significant engagement with senior management and collaboration with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of qualified experience, possess strong leadership skills, and be adept in dealing with complex legal frameworks. This position offers a competitive benefits package including discounts at Tesco.

Benefits

Discounts at Booker and Tesco

Pension plan with employer matching

Health and Wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong track record of delivering results and leading teams.
• Deep legal expertise with commercial acumen.
• Pragmatic approach to managing risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead on compliance areas such as GSCOP and Competition Law.
• Negotiate and draft high-value contracts.
• Provide commercial and legal advice to support business objectives.

Skills

Commercial Insight

Influencing & Relationship Building

Leadership & Development

Strategic Thinking

Technical Expertise

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Lawyer with 10+ years PQE

Job description

Booker • Equity House, Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough, • Temporary • Apply by 21-Nov-2025

In this 18 month fixed term contract, you will be reporting directly to the Head of Legal and will play a pivotal role at the heart of the business. You'll provide expert, pragmatic legal advice to ensure Booker remains safe, healthy, and compliant. Acting as a strategic partner to the Functional Leadership Team, you'll influence and challenge decisions with integrity, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills. This role spans all areas of the business and involves close collaboration with the wider Tesco legal team.

What is in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four‑weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through‑out the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
• Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
• An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
• Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay.
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A great holiday package.

You will be responsible for

• Lead on compliance areas such as GSCOP, Competition Law, Advertising Standards, and Money Laundering risks.
• Oversee compliance frameworks, mandatory training, and horizon scanning for regulatory changes.
• Negotiate and draft high‑value, strategic contracts.
• Provide commercial and legal advice to support business objectives.
• Manage disputes, litigation risks, and regulatory investigations.
• Collaborate across the business and with the wider Tesco legal team on major projects.
• Line manage and develop junior lawyers and support staff.
• Deliver training and maintain expertise on governance and regulatory matters.

You will need

We are looking for a qualified Lawyer with 10+ years PQE or equivalent, with a strong track record of delivering results and leading teams. You combine deep legal expertise with commercial acumen, bringing a pragmatic approach to managing risk while driving progress.

• Commercial Insight - Ability to balance risk and reward, with a willingness to learn the wholesale, distribution, and foodservice industry.
• Influencing & Relationship Building - Skilled at shaping agendas, building trust, and challenging norms with confidence.
• Leadership & Development - Proven experience in managing teams, developing capability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strategic Thinking - Anticipate emerging risks, adapt to market dynamics, and embrace innovation and technology.
• Technical Expertise - Diverse legal background with strong governance and compliance knowledge (e.g., GSCOP, Competition Law, GDPR).
• Collaboration - Comfortable working cross‑functionally and engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Business‑to‑business experience is preferred, and you'll be motivated by opportunities to learn, add value, and support the wider business in achieving its strategic objectives.

About us

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we're a place where Everyone's Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That's why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life‑changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We're proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we're committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact [e-mail]

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from that offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk