Head of Legal

Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Head of Legal – 18-months FTC (with the possibility of becoming perm)

This key role focuses on contracts, intellectual property (IP), data protection, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and more. It offers the opportunity to provide strategic direction and lead critical legal initiatives across various business areas.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership of Legal Function: Take charge of the legal function across all business areas, including contracts, intellectual property, data protection, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
2. Oversight of Key Operations: Oversee the legal aspects of distribution, depots, and warehouse operations, working closely with the Group COO and Warehouse COO to ensure compliance and effective risk management.
3. M&A and Acquisitions: Provide legal support for occasional acquisitions, ensuring legal considerations align with the company’s strategic objectives.
4. Group Legal Collaboration: Work on group-wide legal matters, including those related to the pharmacy division and other strategic business initiatives.
5. Management of External Relationships: Manage relationships with external legal advisors and outsourced property teams, optimizing resources and ensuring high-quality legal services.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will bring a solid background in the FMCG, wholesale, or retail sectors and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Experience with low-margin, high-volume business operations is crucial to succeed in this role.

1. Legal Expertise: A minimum of 8 years’ PQE in leading legal functions and managing legal affairs, with a focus on contracts, intellectual property (IP), data protection, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
2. Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in FMCG, wholesale, or retail is preferred, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges these industries face.
3. Cultural Fit: Familiarity with South Asian business culture is beneficial, as the company places value on this alignment.
4. Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities to manage a small in-house legal team and work effectively with external legal advisors.
5. Strategic Thinker: A demonstrated ability to align legal strategies with business goals, delivering practical and commercially viable legal solutions.
6. Experience in Fast-Paced Environments: Proven track record of working under pressure, juggling multiple priorities, and navigating complex legal matters in a rapidly changing business landscape.

About the Company:

Our client is one of the largest family-owned businesses in the UK, employing over 6,500 people. With a strong presence in FMCG, wholesale, and retail, the company is a well-established leader in its industry. Focused on high-volume, low-margin business models, it offers an exciting, dynamic environment for professionals who excel in fast-paced and challenging roles. Having recently expanded into new sectors, the business is positioned for continued growth and success.

Please note, this is an office-based role requiring full-time presence 5 days a week at the office in North-West London.

If you're an experienced legal professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing, family-oriented company, we invite you to apply.