Description
The role
Here at Debenhams Group we have a diverse brand portfolio across 5 core brands, eight labels, a marketplace model and a financial services business - it’s fairly busy!The Legal Counsel role will require you to be reactive in a dynamic environment, often supporting the business with time-sensitive situations. As such, you must be responsive, proactive and able to effectively manage deadlines and stakeholders. The business is passionate, entrepreneurial and driven and there is an expectation that you will work with that ethos, with a positive attitude. You’ll have opportunity to work on challenging but satisfying matters and really feel part of a commercial dynamic team that is driving the business forward.
We work with a number of different business operations across a variety of territories so, it’s important you’re able to quickly adapt to different people, situations and areas of advice and have fun along the way.
What you'll be doing
- You will take active ownership in managing and supporting the Legal team in completing and advising on all legal matters across the group, including supporting the General Counsel on advising the operation and non-executive board.
- Advising on commercial contracts, data protection, financial services, advertising, corporate, consumer law, employment, intellectual property, property and litigation. The nature of the business will mean the role will require involvement in matters which are outside a strict ‘legal’ role and it’s important you’re able to embrace this.
- Negotiating, drafting and advising on a variety of commercial agreements and internal legal documents including supplier contracts, standard terms and conditions, website terms and conditions and influencer agreements. As we’ve said, the business is incredibly agile and it’s likely a wide range of matters will arise which require our support.
- Take an active role in determining and implementing the legal team strategy and working with the business to drive the individual brand strategies.
- Ensure the team are improving and updating our precedent templates and processes. Proactively thinking about how we can improve with a “get things done” attitude.
- Prepare and deliver business wide training across a variety of topics.
- Stay up to date with new legislation and key developments in our market to ensure the business is briefed and ready for any changes.
- Support the corporate governance function.
Team and Management
- You will work closely with the legal team, including the corporate governance function.
- You’ll help to continue to grow the credibility of the Legal team across the group, which is already well established and highly respected across the group.
- Identify the need for external legal advice and exercise appropriate cost management and control when using external advisors. We understand that we can’t be experts at everything and the support and resource is there if you need it.
- Work proactively to identify training needs across the legal team and support their development and growth.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external legal advisors.
- Project manage key projects to ensure they are being driven forward.
What we are looking for
- Qualified and practising solicitor.
- It’s crucial that you have a positive ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to just get stuck in. We’re a team that doesn’t like to say no, we like to advise with a solutions and strategic led focus rather than block progress.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently but collaboratively with the business.
- We’re not focused on PQE but rather the output you deliver. Whilst it would be beneficial for an individual to have 5+ years PQE this is not essential for the role. We would still love to hear from you if you think this is an opportunity for you.
- In-house experience at an e-commerce and/or retail business with commercial contract experience and strong negotiation skills is desired.
- Corporate governance experience is not essential but would be valuable.
Why join us
At Debenhams Group, we don’t stand still - we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here.
We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers - people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
- Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
- 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
- Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily
#LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-legal
