Role: General Counsel
Location: Blackburn, BB1 2FA - Office Based
Contract: Full-Time Hours / Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Bonus
Company: EG Group
About the Role...
We are seeking an accomplished General Counsel to lead the legal function across EG Group and its subsidiaries. In this strategic role, you will be a key member of our senior leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO. The successful candidate will not only head up our legal operations but also oversee our ESG team, as well as our strategy and transformation functions.
This role requires a seasoned legal professional with a strong ability to influence at the highest levels. We are looking for a specialist with deep expertise in key areas such as Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, and Commercial Contracts.
As a C-suite executive, you will be expected to demonstrate technical proficiency and an in-depth understanding of complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions. While a Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) qualification is preferred, a high-performing legal and corporate governance expert with demonstrable leadership skills is essential.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of operating at an international level, managing cross-border legal services, and leading diverse and effective teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for a distinguished legal professional to make a significant impact on a global scale within EG Group. If you have the experience, expertise, and ambition to thrive in this role, we invite you to apply.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal advice to senior leaders at the board level, demonstrating strong stakeholder management skills across a range of issues with a focus on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), commercial contracts, and corporate governance.
- Lead and manage M&A activities on an international level, ensuring thorough due diligence and seamless execution of transactions.
- Oversee the organization's insurance policies, ensuring they are comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with the company's needs.
- Maintain a deep understanding of corporate governance and corporate law, ensuring the organization adheres to best practices and complies with relevant regulations.
- Provide expert guidance on ESG laws and regulations on an international basis, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with global standards.
- Oversee the drafting and negotiation of various commercial agreements, taking a hands-on approach for significant contracts that are critical to the organization.
- Ensure robust oversight of data protection systems, processes, and reporting across international operations, maintaining compliance with global data protection laws.
- Supervise litigation, claims, and related processes, coordinating with external legal counsel to effectively manage risks and protect the organization's interests.
- Lead business transformation projects, driving strategic change and ensuring alignment with the organization's goals.
- Manage and develop diverse teams across the business globally, with oversight of core international legal functions, governance, ESG, and strategy. Foster professional growth and development among team members.
- Oversee the business's corporate governance systems and processes, including the preparation and presentation of board papers to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Manage and oversee the provision of external legal services, ensuring high-quality support that meets the organization's needs.
- Ensure the organization remains legally and regulatorily compliant, keeping the business and colleagues informed of legal developments and implications for the company.
This list is not exhaustive and may be added to or amended from time to time
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor with 10+ years' post qualified experience - Essential
- Law Degree - Essential
- CGI Qualification - Preferred
- Results-focused, inspirational leader with a pragmatic approach to the challenges faced by a global trading organization.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, effectively solving complex problems.
- Comfortable working within a cross-functional team with excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Adept at developing and advising on relevant options, strategies, and solutions that support the business and its operations.
- Ability to influence the governance agenda, with experience in being consulted on and often leading specific initiatives, including those not directly related to governance.
- Committed to the development of other governance professionals, both within the current organization and externally, with a reputation as a leader in governance within the sector.
Benefits & Rewards
- Company Car
- Private Medical Healthcare
- Performance Based Bonus Scheme
- Employee Life Assurance
- EG Group Discounts - up to 15% off at our stores and food to go restaurants
- ASDA Discount Card - 10% off all ASDA stores
- EG Cares Benefits - exclusive discounts across 900 retailers
- Smart Health - 24/7 online GP access, health checks and health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme - access to our Wellbeing Centre which offers emotional & practical support including free financial advice
- Learning & Development - access to our Learning Hub, the most extensive online course library in the world to support you with every step of your career at EG Group
- Waterside Café - freshly prepared meals at affordable prices
- Free Secure Car Parking
- Dress Down Fridays
- Flexi-Time
- Prayer and Ablution Facilities
- Shower Facilities
- Sit / Stand Desk Facilities
- Work Anniversary Rewards
- Free Eye Test