Legal Counsel (12 months FTC) (P/T)

What’s in it for you

About the role

Tesco’s Group Procurement function is responsible for buying all goods and services not for resale for the international Tesco group.  The Legal Counsel is part of a small team of lawyers which work hand-in-hand with the business to advise and support on legal risks.  You can expect close partnership and collaboration with the business, a highly diverse workload, and a brief to innovate and improve existing process.

We are looking to recruit a Legal Counsel on a part time basis, working three days a week. This opportunity has the ability to be completed remotely or from our offices in Welwyn Garden City.

The primary accountability is for:

• Working alongside the Category Procurement Managers and the relevant business stakeholders to provide legal and strategic advice.
• Drafting and negotiating major transactions in diverse areas such as property procurement (commercial contracts), automation, consultants and potential for some property support (construction, enabling works etc.) for a candidate with expertise.
• Providing specialised contracts legal advice. 
• Facilitating the implementation of best practices, simplified engagement process and ways of working, stream-lined documentation and improved governance/policies.
• Raising the business awareness around key commercial and legal risks and mitigations,
• Leading the implementation and embedding of the Group Legal, Commercial and Procurement legal policies.
• Raise the business awareness around key legal and commercial risks.

You will be responsible for

• Advising on a varied range of complex, high profile and business critical commercial contracts.
• Providing first-line support on disputes, liaising with the specialist in-house dispute resolution team as necessary.
• Providing general legal advice and support on a range of issues including Data Protection, Competition Law, IT, TUPE and IP.
• Considering stakeholders concerns and spotting other issues: working with the business (not just for them) and adding value.
• Thinking “outside of the box” to come up with practical commercial solutions to problems.
• Simplification and innovation; supporting innovation and use of technology to simplify and improve the provision of legal services.
• Developing and maintaining excellent relationships with different business units;
• Engaging with and supporting other lawyers across the UK and international Tesco group.
• Outsourcing and managing the outsourcing of complex matters to external law firms where necessary (including ensuring we get value for money).

You will need

• 2-6 years PQE gained at a leading law firm or in-house (although those outside this PQE and with the relevant experience will be considered).
• In-house experience (which may have been gained on secondment) preferred but not essential.
• Strong experience of drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide-range of commercial contracts, with a pragmatic and commercial approach.
• Experience of property/construction related matters would be an advantage but not essential.
• Ability to identify and navigate complex legal issues with excellent knowledge of contract and commercial law.
• To be a self-starter and able to work independently but also thrive on working as part of a wider team, in a dynamic and fast-moving environment.
• Strong partnering skills as the role requires an ability to build credibility with very experienced internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills with the ability to work to deadlines and to manage competing demands from various stakeholders.
• A calm demeanour and an ability to work collaboratively under pressure.

About us