Lead Legal Counsel, UK

**Description** Strategic partner to affiliate leadership, managing commercial, procurement, talent, litigation, and marketing legalities. Coordinates with regional/global departments for expertise and manages external counsel and internal training. **Key Responsibilities** **Commercial \& Procurement** * Draft and negotiate contracts, amendments, and terminations with vendors/customers to mitigate risk. * Support indirect procurement and lead negotiations for new vendor contracts. * Manage the contract lifecycle to maximize operational and financial performance. * Advise leadership (GM/FD/CD) and brand leaders on commercial and competition law. * Oversee influencer, ambassador, and general contract signature requests. **Data Privacy \& Compliance** * Coordinate with EMEA Data Privacy teams on local law compliance and global programs. * Advise business teams on consumer data usage for marketing campaigns. * Oversee CRM launches to ensure alignment with Global/EMEA privacy policies. * Ensure consent mechanisms and data submissions to authorities are completed on time. **Marketing \& Consumer Affairs** * Support marketing activations, including discounting and gift\-with\-purchase. * Manage consumer complaints and coordinate with customer care for legally sound responses. * Represent the company in legal disputes or coordinate with insurers and third\-party firms. * Train marketing teams on relevant health and safety legislation. **Corporate Governance \& Company Secretarial** * Ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006, managing statutory filings and board resolutions. * Organize Board/General Meetings, including agendas, minutes, and statutory book maintenance. * Support internal and statutory audits from a governance perspective. * Maintain corporate policies, codes of conduct, and the compliance calendar. * Assist in preparing Directors’ and Annual Reports. **Litigation \& Monitoring** * Manage litigation with outside counsel and the New York global office. * Monitor regional legislation changes and implement remedial actions. **Management** * Manage one direct report, fostering professional growth and quality output. **Qualifications** * Experience: Proven track record with complex commercial contracts and litigation. Combination of top\-tier law firm and in\-house experience preferred. * Knowledge: Deep understanding of local laws including competition, distribution, commercial transactions, and privacy. * Business Acumen: Practical, business\-minded executive able to anticipate trends and provide hands\-on support. * Communication: Ability to convey complex messages clearly to diverse audiences and build strong partnerships. * Execution: Results\-oriented with high attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks. * Accountability: Strong ownership of decisions and ability to prioritize business needs. * Governance: Competent in all Company Secretary responsibilities.