DS Smith

Senior Legal Counsel – UK, Ireland

DS Smith

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: London • United Kingdom

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Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Acting as the primary legal partner to UK management teams across three divisions, influencing high-level strategic decision-making and business-critical initiatives
  • Lead the drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of complex commercial, sales, and procurement contracts to protect company interests
  • Identify and mitigate legal risks while overseeing UK-specific regulatory compliance, internal governance, and sensitive investigations
  • Manage all UK dispute resolution and pre-litigation matters, including the strategic instruction and cost management of external counsel
  • Provide direct management and mentorship to a dedicated UK legal resource and contribute to the broader development of the EMEA legal function
  • Deliver expert guidance on corporate governance, HSE matters, and data protection, ensuring a cohesive legal approach across the UK business.

Requirements

  • Qualified UK Solicitor or Barrister (or equivalent) with a solid understanding of the UK regulatory landscape
  • Demonstrable experience in commercial law, with a significant background in-house supporting complex organisations, with knowledge of industrial or manufacturing environments being an added strength
  • Proven ability to interact with and influence senior stakeholders and drive high-impact legal strategy across multiple business divisions
  • Strong expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach
  • Experience in managing direct reports and leading external counsel to ensure high-quality delivery and cost-effective spend
  • Highly organized and capable of balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced, demanding environment
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Car allowance
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays
  • Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee Discounts
  • Cycle to work scheme
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
contract draftingcontract negotiationregulatory compliancedispute resolutioncorporate governancedata protectioncommercial lawlegal risk managementcost managementstakeholder influence
Soft Skills
leadershipmentorshiporganizational skillsstrategic thinkingsolution-oriented approachinterpersonal skillsprioritizationcommunication skillsinfluencing skillsadaptability
Certifications
UK SolicitorBarrister