Commercial Legal Counsel - FMCG - Morgan McKinley - #2079220

Our client is a leading international food and consumer goods business with a strong presence across the UK and global markets. Operating within a fast-paced commercial environment, the organisation partners with major retailers, foodservice providers and manufacturing customers worldwide. With a well-established portfolio of recognised consumer and B2B brands, the business continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and long-term growth.

The company offers a collaborative, commercially driven culture and a modern flexible working environment.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join a global legal team in a high-impact role supporting UK and international operations.

This position will partner closely with senior business stakeholders across commercial, marketing, procurement, innovation and sustainability functions, providing pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice that enables business growth while managing risk effectively.

The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of autonomy, acting as a trusted advisor across a broad range of legal and regulatory matters in a dynamic and evolving business environment.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & Advisory

• Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior stakeholders across UK and international business units.
• Partner closely with commercial teams to provide timely, practical and commercially focused legal support.
• Support innovation and marketing teams on product launches, campaigns and business initiatives.

• Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements including sales, procurement, distribution, digital, media and professional services contracts.
• Support complex negotiations while balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve contracting processes, templates and ways of working.

• Advise on legal and regulatory developments impacting the FMCG and consumer goods sector.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear and actionable business guidance.
• Support compliance programmes across areas such as data privacy, competition law, ESG, anti-bribery and cyber security.
• Assist with governance frameworks and risk management initiatives.

• Manage disputes, litigation and settlement negotiations alongside external counsel where required.
• Take a proactive approach to issue resolution to minimise business disruption and legal exposure.

• Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years' PQE.
• Strong experience advising on commercial contracts.
• Previous in-house experience preferred, ideally within FMCG, food, beverage or consumer sectors.
• Experience with marketing and advertising compliance would be advantageous.

• Commercially astute with strong business partnering capabilities.
• Confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Able to communicate complex legal matters clearly and pragmatically.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of matters.