Job description

We are looking for a commercial/compliance lawyer to join our growing In-house legal team.

You will work in a small in-house team of proactive, business focused individuals working to deliver first class legal advice and support services in a cost-effective manner on a diverse range of legal issues ensuring the mitigation of risk and the protection of business assets to ensure Bestway Retail meets its strategic objectives.

The Legal Counsel will be required to advise the business on a range of matters including IP, Property, Litigation, Corporate and Commercial. You will support a variety of brands and departments in the Bestway Wholesale and Retail business from shop floor to executive board level on a wide variety of internal and external matters including drafting new and reviewing existing contracts, identifying and mitigating commercial risks, general regulatory compliance with current and new legislation, governance and generally contributing to the overall legal strategy of the business.

Your main responsibilities

• Provide legal advice as well as drafting and negotiating commercial contracts both in relation to the supply of goods and services to stores
• Working alongside the retail and finance teams actively manage retailer and supplier debt issues to ensure exposure is minimised and debt recovery maximised
• Management and protection of the intellectual property portfolio
• Seek to identify regulatory risks affecting a convenience retail and franchise business leading projects not only to manage and mitigate such risks but also seeking opportunities to seek a commercial benefit from such
• Write and maintain commercial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws
• Manage and maintain relationships with external regulators where required.
• Provide legal advice and assistance as required by the retail, business development and estates team in relation to a wide range of commercial property issues regarding both freehold and leasehold interests ranging from acquisitions, to lease renewals, to disposals including the management and protection of the commercial property portfolio
• Provide legal advice and assistance, minimising legal spend and working effectively with external legal advisers where necessary and appropriate, in relation to property litigation
• Development of a legal strategy that supports the objectives of Bestway within agreed budgets
• Devise and develop proactive and reactive guidance, advice and training to support the strategic objectives of the business converting technical knowledge into practical commercial advice
• Development of the legal team measured through succession planning and people capability
• Primary responsibility for appointment and management of external lawyers

About You

• Experienced commercial or compliance solicitor, ideally with experience working in-house
• Substantial experience of commercial contracting and corporate transactions required
• Ability to work at pace and at ease when situations change rapidly
• Ability to apply technical knowledge in a commercially astute manner
• Proactive, driven, professional and flexible as well as a good team player
• Ability to connect with and influence a broad range of stakeholders to achieve strategic goals
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to explain and present complex and technical issues, clearly, accurately and simply
• Creative thinker who will seek simplification and cost savings whilst maintaining excellence in delivery of the strategic objectives

What next?

If you are looking to launch, or grow, an exciting career in a company that values progression and development! Choose “Apply now” to fill out our short application and submit your CV!

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Work Location: One location