Group Commercial Legal Counsel

The role involves supporting the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial) within the Group Legal & Business Assurance Team, which includes Legal, Health & Safety, Compliance, and Risk. Key responsibilities include deputizing for the Group Senior Legal Counsel when needed, and managing a broad range of commercial contracts (client and supplier), such as NDAs, terms of business, consumer contracts, manufacturing agreements, and complex IT contracts. The role also includes advising on legal and risk matters, providing expert commercial legal guidance, and assisting the Group Procurement Team throughout the procurement processfrom RFP stage to contract negotiation, management, and termination. About DFS
Did you know a DFS sofa is in one-third of Britains homes?
Since 1969, weve been creating, marketing, and selling sofas that reflect peoples unique styles and tastes. Weve always led the market, bringing comfort and great design to communities both online and in person.
Were the UKs leading sofa retail specialist, but heres the secret to our success - its our people. Theyre at the heart of what we do, and together, theyre crafting us towards our ambitious future.
We're an equal opportunities employer
We extend a warm welcome to everyone, weaving together a range of voices and perspectives to create a truly inclusive culture. As we strive to build a workplace that better reflects the diverse communities we serve, we encourage applications from under-represented groups. At DFS Group, were not just a place where everyone is welcome - were a place where everyone truly belongs.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial), as part of the Group Legal & Business Assurance Team (comprising Legal, Health & Safety, Compliance and Risk). Deputising for the Group Senior Legal Counsel where necessary
Responsible for reviewing, advising, drafting and negotiation of a wide range of key commercial contracts (client and supplier) for our Group companies; including NDAs, standard terms of business and bespoke contracts, consumer contracts, manufacturing agreements, complex and high value IT contracts and associated contracts such as data sharing agreements, quality/technical agreements.
Providing strong and concise expert advice on commercial legal matters and advising on risk
Supporting the Group Procurement Team with a solutions-focussed approach, from RFP stage through to advising on contract terms, contract management and termination
Working closely with the Group Customer Operations Director and their team in providing expert and commercial Consumer law advice
Litigation - managing a caseload of consumer small claims from end to end efficiently and commercially, through positive engagement and influence with our customer service teams
Ensuring the Group is compliant with a variety of regulatory requirements and thoroughly understanding and anticipating the regulatory environment in which it operates
Drafting and engaging with the business in the implementation of new policies and processes
Responsible and accountable for the Groups bank of commercial legal precedents
Providing training and coaching key stakeholders in the business on a variety of topics, with the ability to distil complex legal matters into an easily understandable and digestible format
Keep up to date with emerging risks, trends, and changes to the legislative framework which may impact the business.
Ensuring the business is well prepared for legislative changes; engaging with stakeholders to share knowledge, advise changes to/new processes to ensure compliance whilst helping the business achieve its objectives
The role is for you if...
You're a technical expert with at least 4 years PQE or relevant pre-qualification experience
Financial services experience is highly desirable
Strong background in large-scale IT contract negotiation including SaaS contracts and contracts with an AI element
Solid knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation; ensuring the business is compliant and appropriately manages associated risks
Applies a rigorous yet commercially minded approach and must be comfortable standing by those views if challenged - strong influencing skills are required
Comfortable working at a fast pace and happy to work both independently and alongside teams across our business
Ability to build strong relationships across the Group, with strong communication skills across a variety of audiences. Fosters a collaborative approach.
Good computer and IT skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Highly organised, pro-active, disciplined and with strong time-management skills. Ability to identify and prioritise more urgent matters
Demonstrable commercial awareness in approach to advising internal stakeholders - previous in-house experience is desirable but not essential
Possesses an interest in current trends within the legal industry around contract management technology and the use of AI
Growth and learning mindset - always curious, always looking to learn and share knowledge for the benefit of the team and wider business
DFS Benefits
Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.
Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsburys, ASOS, and IKEA.
Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.

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