Legal Counsel (Commercial)
Group Global Legal Team – Manchester
This is a newly created opportunity within the Group Global Legal team at Oliver James, based in Manchester. As Legal Counsel, you will play a hands-on role supporting the business on a range of contracts and commercial legal advisory work, helping to deliver practical, commercially focused legal advice across our fast-moving global operations.
Working closely with the senior members of the Legal team, including the Chief Legal Officer, you will gain exposure to a broad range of commercial matters and contribute to building a modern, high-performing in-house function that is closely aligned to business priorities. The team was nominated for in-house legal team of the year 2025 and is looking for bright and dynamic people to help us build on that success.
This role is ideal for a confident, ambitious commercial lawyer at an early stage in their career who is keen to take ownership, build relationships with stakeholders, and make a tangible impact. We are looking for someone pragmatic and solutions-driven, with strong fundamentals and a genuine enthusiasm for commercial contracts and commercial legal work.
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with up to c.3 years’ post-qualification experience in commercial law
- Strong grounding in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
- Keen interest in developing expertise across multi-jurisdictional commercial arrangements, including exposure to the US market
- Commercially aware, with good judgement and a practical approach to risk
- Confident communicator who can engage effectively with non-legal stakeholders
- Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing competing priorities
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues across functions
- Interest in improving processes, and legal operations
- Experience in data protection or corporate matters is helpful but not essential
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of client and supplier contracts, with appropriate supervision
- Partner with internal stakeholders to provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on commercial risk
- Support the development and refinement of contract templates, playbooks, and guidance materials
- Assist in identifying and escalating legal risks in line with Group frameworks
- Work with external counsel where required, supporting efficient and cost-effective engagement
- Contribute to legal projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the team
- Build strong working relationships across the business to ensure Legal is seen as a trusted and accessible partner
Why This Role?
- High visibility within a growing global business
- Direct exposure to senior leadership, including the Chief Legal Officer
- Broad commercial experience across jurisdictions
- Opportunity to shape how Legal supports the business as it scales
