Legal Counsel EMEA 1-4 PQE

Your new company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking international organisation operating across multiple continents. Known for its innovative approach, rich heritage and commitment to sustainability, the business manages its operations end-to-end and partners with teams across Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. The company continues to expand its global footprint, driven by a diverse portfolio of well-established and emerging brands. With a culture that values ambition, creativity and collaboration, it offers an environment where legal professionals can shape strategy, influence decision-making and contribute to the long-term success of the organisation. They are now seeking a Legal Counsel to join their team in this newly created role, in either their Bristol or London office. This role offers exceptional breadth and the chance to have a real impact across a large and diverse regional structure.

Your new role

As Legal Counsel - EMEA, you will report to the Legal Director for the region and work closely with commercial, supply chain, corporate and marketing teams across the UK, Spain and wider EMEA markets. You will act as a trusted advisor, ensuring legal risks are appropriately managed and supporting the business with clear, commercially focused guidance.Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting, negotiating and reviewing a wide range of commercial contracts including sales, procurement, services, distribution, marketing, sponsorship and bulk product agreements.
• Advising on regulatory matters such as food and product legislation, labelling requirements, sustainability and environmental issues.
• Providing legal input to marketing initiatives and new product development.
• Supporting policy development and creating new legal resources for internal stakeholders.
• Delivering training on legal topics, compliance obligations and company policies.
• Monitoring and reporting on legislative developments, and assisting with implementing regulatory updates across the region.
• Supporting data protection compliance in line with UK and EMEA requirements.
• Assisting with dispute resolution, employment matters and contributing to ad-hoc projects.
• Acting as a liaison for external legal counsel where required.
• Promoting a culture of safety, responsibility and compliance.

What you'll need to succeed

Essential:

• Qualified commercial lawyer with 1-4 years' PQE, ideally gained from a leading law firm or in-house
• Strong grounding in commercial law and experience working across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Preferred:

• Dual qualification in English and Spanish law.
• Advanced Spanish language skills.
• Experience within FMCG industry

What you'll get in return

You will join a global business where innovation, quality and sustainability sit at the heart of its strategy. The organisation offers the opportunity to work with diverse teams across multiple regions, engage with a broad spectrum of legal matters, and contribute to strategic initiatives that shape the company's future. You will benefit from a collaborative and ambitious culture, excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and the chance to develop your expertise across commercial, regulatory, marketing, data protection and employment law.Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal on for further information on the opportunity.

Apply nowIf you are a commercially minded legal professional seeking a high-impact role within a dynamic international organisation, we would welcome your application.Apply today to take the next step in your legal career.

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