Legal Counsel

CDS Superstores International Limited is one of the UK's leading retailers, operating multiple retail brands including The Range, wilko, Homebase and Bathstore. The business operates a substantial retail estate, national distribution network and extensive supplier base across the UK and internationally.

As part of a small and dynamic in-house legal team, this role offers an excellent opportunity to work across a broad range of commercial, corporate, regulatory and operational matters within a fast-paced retail environment.

About the Role

To provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice and support across the CDS group, assisting the business in managing legal risk whilst enabling commercial objectives.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, supporting strategic initiatives, commercial projects, operational matters and day-to-day legal requirements.

This role is ideally suited to a solicitor with approximately 2-4 years' post-qualification experience seeking to develop a broad in-house legal career within a large and diverse retail organisation.

Please note that we will consider candidates on their individual merits. Strict alignment with the 2-4 years' PQE range and/or experience across all listed areas is not essential, provided the candidate can demonstrate a proactive, commercial approach.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Provide practical advice on contractual rights, obligations and dispute resolution.
• Support contract lifecycle management and standardisation initiatives.
• Advise on legal and regulatory issues affecting CDS, including monitoring legal developments and providing guidance on emerging regulatory requirements.
• Oversee pre-litigation disputes and legal claims where necessary,
  • Commercial disputes
  • Consumer claims
  • Employment-related matters (in conjunction with HR)
  • Intellectual property issues
  • Regulatory investigations
• Maintain dispute records and support reporting to senior management.
• Instruct and oversee external legal advisers where appropriate.
• Support the Company's existing DPO where necessary.
• Build strong working relationships across the business.
• Deliver commercially focused advice that supports business objectives while appropriately managing legal risk.
• Manage relationships with external law firms and advisers.
• Ensure legal spend is controlled and delivers value for money.
• Review fee proposals and monitor external legal budgets.

Person Specification

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales.
• Approximately 2-4 years' post-qualification experience (others will be considered).
• Experience gained in a recognised law firm and/or in-house legal department.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify and assess legal risk pragmatically.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Previous in-house experience.
• Experience within retail, consumer, logistics or FMCG sectors.
• Experience advising on regulatory and/or compliance matters.

What we offer

• Pension
• Long service awards
• Cycle to work scheme

Position: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:45am - 17:30pm.