Sr Counsel Direct Procurement Europe

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Counsel to join their dynamic legal team in London. This role involves providing proactive legal counsel on direct procurement transactions across Europe, ensuring compliance and supporting the business's growth agenda. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in commercial agreements and a proven ability to advise senior stakeholders. Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow, where you will collaborate with talented professionals and access top-tier learning and development opportunities. If you're passionate about making a difference in a legal capacity, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Access to Mars University

Competitive salary and benefits

Bonus opportunities

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in advising on commercial agreements.
• Self-starter with strong work ethic and ability to operate independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive legal counsel to support business growth from a legal perspective.
• Draft, negotiate, and review agreements for direct procurement transactions.

Skills

Commercial Agreements

Negotiation Skills

Legal Compliance

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Fluency in English

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Lawyer in Europe

Job description

Job Description:

The Senior Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel of PNE and will support the relevant segment-level Commercial functions on all aspects of direct-procurement transactions, from drafting, negotiating, and dispute resolution/litigation. The Senior Counsel will interact with senior stakeholders within the various segment-level Commercial Leadership and category-level teams as well as the Legal function. The Senior Counsel will act as an engaged and high-performing member of the PNE Legal Team and PNE Sourcing Leadership Teams.

What are we looking for?

1. Fully qualified lawyer in Europe (including UK) with at least 8-10 years of experience or suitable experience practicing law in the UK and EU (particularly Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, and France).
2. 8-10 years advising on commercial agreements, with significant in-house experience.
3. Experience providing counsel to senior business leaders.
4. Must be a self-starter, highly motivated with a strong work ethic, and able to operate independently in a “hands-on” environment.
5. Agile and pragmatic, willing to draw “a line in the sand” when necessary for compliance.
6. Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills; a strong, flexible team player and collaborator.
7. Ability to work with urgency and decisiveness.
8. Excellent analytical and negotiation skills.
9. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
10. Strong organizational, execution, and project management skills.
11. Fluency/native in English.

What will be your key responsibilities?

1. Be an engaged and high-performing member of the PNE Legal Team and PNE Sourcing Leadership Team, providing proactive counsel to support the business’ growth agenda from a legal perspective and as a key partner.
2. Responsible for implementing and rolling out the legal strategy for direct procurement across European segments, anticipating legal issues, and providing proactive, business-friendly legal solutions.
3. Provide legal support for direct-procurement transactions for Commercial in Europe, from vendor selection to tender, contract formation, dispute/litigation, and termination, either directly or through outside counsel.
4. Structure, draft, review, and support the negotiation of agreements for direct procurement, including multi-segment raw-materials purchasing, tenders, and procurement of services like co-manufacturing, co-packing, co-blending, and regenerative agriculture cooperation.
5. Draft, revise, and update contract templates for procurement transactions.
6. Train Commercial buyers on legal aspects related to their category of spend.
7. Understand and collaborate with Mars segment IP attorneys to protect Mars' intellectual property rights.
8. Advise on Sustainability-related matters, both regulatory and corporate initiatives involving suppliers.
9. Provide advice on Privacy-related matters affecting the Commercial function.
10. Assist Commercial in managing claims or disputes with suppliers, including coordination with external legal support for litigation or correspondence requiring country-level expertise.
11. Review and interpret new legislation/regulation affecting procurement, providing clear, business-focused advice on transition and implementation.
12. Collaborate on process improvement initiatives with legal and non-legal teams.
13. Supervise external legal counsel to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
14. Assist in managing relevant legal budgets in consultation with segment-level Associate General Counsels.

What can you expect from Mars?

1. Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates guided by the Five Principles.
2. Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow.
3. Access to top-tier learning and development, including Mars University.
4. Competitive salary and benefits, including a bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Assistance or accommodations are available upon request during the application process.