Role Purpose:

A new opportunity exists for an experience commercial lawyer to join Fortnum & Mason as Senior Legal Counsel.  The purpose of this role is to provide commercial and pragmatic legal advice to support the growth of Fortnum & Mason across its retail and hospitality businesses.  You will act as a key business partner and advise on a wide variety of areas including, commercial contracts, data protection, consumer law, IP & brand portfolio, regulatory and compliance.

Reports to:

General Counsel

Key Accountabilities

*       Independently draft, negotiate, and advise on a range of commercial agreements including buying agreements, licensing, international wholesale agreements, consumer terms, marketing and a range of services agreements relating to marketing, digital, supply chain and IT projects.

*       Provide legal advice on a wide variety of issues including consumer rights, data protection, intellectual property and brand protection.  Work strategically and collaboratively with colleagues to provide solutions driven advice whilst managing and mitigating risk.

*       Draft, keep up to date and manage contract templates to reflect changes in internal process, policies and law.

*       Educate and provide advice to business stakeholders on contract standards, supply chain risk, marketing and consumer communications.

*       Take a commercial approach to raising the profile of data protection within the business working with teams on privacy challenges, best practice, and governance.

*       Champion compliance initiatives, advise on best practice, provide training and review implementation to assess effectiveness for continuous improvement.

*       Support teams in establishing and updating governance related policies, frameworks and operating processes.

*       Identify when to engage with and manage external counsel for specialist matters within approved budgets.

*       Management of disputes.

*       Horizon scan, monitor advancements in and keep up to date with legislative changes for core jurisdictions and provide timely pragmatic advice.

Skills 

*       Qualified lawyer with proven post qualification experience drafting, negotiating and advising on a range of commercial, data protection, intellectual property and compliance matters. 

*       Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively break down complex legal issues to provide appropriate advice and solutions.  

*       Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, work collaboratively, manage stakeholders and influence at all levels of the organisation.

*       Commerciality, excellent legal judgement with the ability to make decisions and give advice that reflects an understanding of the business objectives and its appetite to risk.

*       Ability to work independently and proactively within a fast-paced environment with strong organisational skills given the requirement to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Desirable

*       Experience of working in a fast paced, omni-channel retail / FMCG business

*       Experience of dealing with regulators

We are committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent, regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. We respect and embrace each other’s differences, to create a truly inclusive environment. In the last year alone, our people have been recognised and celebrated, winning awards for their outstanding contributions to Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, Visual Merchandising & Display, Customer Service and Local Community Awards.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary
• A generous store and restaurant discount of up to 40%
• 25 days holidays pro rata (excluded bank holidays) and an extra day off for your birthday
• A fantastic subsidised staff restaurant which uses Fortnum’s ingredients
• A range of opportunities to develop and grow personally and professionally
• Excellent pension scheme