We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join us as our Senior Legal Counsel reporting into our Company Secretary. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will manage the legal function and act as a key business partner by providing accurate, relevant and commercial advice to the business on legal and compliance matters, to support the achievement of strategic objectives across the business.
It’s a very exciting time for Fenwick as we move forward with a new 3-year strategic plan to ensure our long-term future in the UK retail market as UK’s only family-owned department store group.
About you:
* Strong commercial legal experience
* Ability to demonstrate a commercial mindset and business acumen
* Strong academic background and training in a recognised law firm
* At least 5 years’ post qualification experience, some of which gained in house. Retail experience is desirable but not essential
* Experience required in: supplier agreements; selective distribution agreements; IT agreements; privacy and DPA/GDPR
* Experience beneficial in: commercial property; licensing; consumer law; advertising; company secretarial
* Exceptional stakeholder management, able to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business
* Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues and risks in terms that non-legal colleagues can understand
* Excellent negotiation and drafting skills
* Exceptional organisational skills, adhering to deadlines and prioritising work according to business needs
* Ability to work in a highly autonomous role, demonstrating initiative and desire to develop and progress.
What’s in it for you?
* Competitive salary
* 25% colleague discount (across most areas).
* 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays).
* Birthday day - 1 additional day off in the month of your birthday.
* WeCare a programme. Pension scheme
* Hybrid working (Normally 3 days in office/ 2 at home, depending on business needs)
* Private Medical Insurance
Key Accountabilities
* Ensuring that Fenwick is operating on contracts which are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations of England and Wales.
* Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and agreements, securing the most preferential terms for the business.
* Managing and mitigating legal risks by reviewing, developing and implementing business policies and procedures related to legal compliance.
* Promoting legal, compliance and risk management best practice throughout the business.
* Providing legal training to the business, as required including refresher training and training as a result of changes to legislation.
* Communicating with and managing any third-party advisors/bodies such as external counsel or auditors.
* Staying up to date with changes to legislation, particularly in relation to laws, rules and regulations which directly affect Fenwick and the retail sector.
* Managing and developing the legal team.
About Fenwick
Fenwick is the UK’s largest family-owned department store group with a rich heritage and history that has shaped who we are today. We are on an exciting journey, looking towards a future that is every bit as bold and brilliant as what has gone before.
We work collaboratively and our 2,000 strong workforce spans our stores, our support functions including Digital, Buying & Merchandising, IT, Finance, People and Customer Service teams plus our valued restaurants and distribution centre. We are always on the lookout for talent to join our ever-growing family to help us to exceed our customers' expectations.
If you feel like you have what we are looking for and are excited about the opportunity, then please apply. Please note we are anticipating a lot of interest in this role so we may close the advert early.