Senior Legal Counsel - 18m FTC

Booker Group; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wholesale distributor in the UK is seeking a qualified Lawyer with over 10 years of experience for a fixed-term contract. The role involves providing expert legal advice, leading compliance efforts, and managing disputes while collaborating closely with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial background and proven leadership experience, with a focus on driving results and supporting business objectives.

Qualifications

• Qualified Lawyer with a strong track record of delivering results and leading teams.
• Deep legal expertise with commercial acumen and pragmatic approach to risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance areas such as GSCOP, Competition Law, and Money Laundering risks.
• Negotiate and draft high-value, strategic contracts.
• Manage disputes, litigation risks, and regulatory investigations.
• Deliver training on governance and regulatory matters.

Skills

Commercial Insight

Influencing & Relationship Building

Leadership & Development

Strategic Thinking

Technical Expertise

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Lawyer with 10+ years PQE

Job description

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.

• 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.

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.