Senior Legal Counsel

Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing by delivering outstanding value, being loved by every customer and creating the place where all colleagues are proud to belong. We are proud of how far we’ve come as a business, now we want to see you grow with us.

Role Summary: 

We are currently looking for an experienced qualified lawyer with a strong background in corporate and contractual law. This person will work as part of a small team within Specsavers UK & ROI Legal department, providing detailed legal advice and guidance on a broad range of commercial and legal issues arising from the Group’s UK & Ireland operations and Joint Venture businesses in the UK and Ireland.

Key Responsibilities:

• Corporate and Contractual Law: Provide detailed legal advice on commercial contracts, including drafting, negotiating, and completing such contracts. Ensure all agreements align with company policies and legal requirements.  Tender management and associated contractual processes may be involved.

• Joint Ventures: Provide legal support for joint venture arrangements, including drafting and reviewing associated documents and business transfer paperwork. 

• Shareholder Litigation: Providing legal advice, and/or effective management of external solicitors, relating to a shareholder litigation (e.g. ‘unfair prejudice’/s.994 Companies Act litigation)

• Company Secretarial: Possesses a good working knowledge and understanding of company procedures and the responsibilities of a Company Secretary and Company Director. This includes expertise in dividend declarations, managing internal restructures involving legal entities, and overseeing Joint Venture Agreements (JVA). Demonstrates proficiency in ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, maintaining corporate records, and facilitating effective communication between the board of directors and shareholders.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal risks within existing processes and new initiatives. Develop and implement effective processes and systems to manage these risks with an ability and level of comfort at running risk managed decisions and ownership of said decisions.

• Industry-specific Regulatory Compliance: Advise on industry-specific legislation (optics, ophthalmology, and audiology) as it relates to the Group’s UK and ROI retail activities. Ensure compliance with relevant UK and ROI statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Stakeholder Relationships: Build strong relationships and trust with stakeholders across the organisation, from Board Director level down, offering clear and practical legal advice.  Supporting the Legal Director - UK & ROI with any delegation of authority to attend and participate in OLT/ ALT meeting for general operational and commercial decision making.

• Project Support: Work as part of cross-functional project teams on new commercial initiatives, providing legal insights and support across a variety of potentially complex legal issues with minimal supervision.  This may include leading or assisting with matters that are or could develop into highly visible / potentially brand sensitive issues.

• Strategic Corporate Projects: Provide specialist advice on and support the implementation of strategic corporate projects, as requested by the Legal Director – UK & ROI, particularly in relation to optics, audiology, and domiciliary sectors.

• Leadership and Communication: Provide leadership and work closely with the wider legal team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Act as a key advisor on corporate, compliance, and legal governance matters to senior management.

• Training and Policy Development: Assist in drafting and rolling out new policies and procedures, and provide training on legal and practical issues to improve business standards and reduce risk.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Admitted to practice as a lawyer in the UK or Guernsey.
• Previous in-house legal team experience.
• Significant post-qualification experience in corporate and contractual law.
• Experience of shareholder litigation (e.g. ‘unfair prejudice’/s.994 Companies Act litigation)
• Experience in drafting and advising on joint venture contracts and structures.
• Experience of advising on commercial and trading issues arising from joint venture rights and obligations.
• Good working knowledge of UK and/or ROI employment law as it impacts joint venture commercial relationships.
• Experience and understanding of company secretarial law and procedure.
• Experience of team leadership and development of colleagues.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in the optics, ophthalmology, or audiology sectors.
• Experience in retail, healthcare, or FMCG businesses.

Why Join Us? At Specsavers, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. You will be part of a supportive and dynamic team, working in a fast-paced environment where your contributions make a real difference. If you are a proactive and experienced legal professional looking to take the next step in your career, apply now and we look forward to connecting with you.

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