Swissport
Legal Counsel
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
In-House Legal Counsel/Solicitor/Barrister
Location: Swissport Head Office, Runcorn
Reporting to: Head of Legal UK & Ireland
Length of Contract: 6-month Fixed Term Contract commencing December 2026, with the possibility of extension if required.
Swissport is the world's largest provider of ground and cargo handling services in the aviation industry. The Head of Legal for UK & Ireland is looking for an In House Legal Counsel with 1 to 3 years' post qualification experience to join the legal department for a 6-month period.
Reporting to the Head of Legal UK&I, you will provide practical and commercially focused legal advice to the business, with a particular focus on reviewing, drafting, and negotiating commercial contracts and agreements.
You will work closely with the Head of Legal and stakeholders across the business, providing clear legal advice, managing risk, and supporting the business in achieving its objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer looking to develop their in-house legal career within a market-leading global business.
Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are associated with this job role:
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including Standard Ground Handling Agreements, supplier and vendor agreements, NDAs, and other commercial agreements.
- Provide practical and commercially focused advice on contractual terms, obligations, liabilities, and risk.
- Advise on contractual disputes and other ad hoc commercial legal queries.
- Review and advise on data protection and privacy agreements, including Data Processing Agreements.
- Support the Head of Legal with corporate governance and other legal matters as required.
- Provide legal advice across areas including compliance, regulatory requirements, anti-competition laws, anti-bribery, and corruption.
- Support the business in identifying, assessing, and managing legal and commercial risks.
- Ensure compliance with Group Directives and Delegation of Authority across the business.
- Build effective relationships with stakeholders and provide clear, pragmatic legal guidance to non-legal colleagues.
- Deliver training and guidance on contractual and compliance matters where required.
- Occasional travel to airports within UK&I, subject to business need.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 1 to 3 years' post-qualification experience. Essential.
- Demonstrable experience of reviewing, drafting, and advising on commercial contracts. Essential.
- Strong understanding of contractual principles, commercial risk, and contract negotiation.
- Previous in-house legal experience is highly desirable, particularly experience working directly with commercial stakeholders.
- Experience of data protection and privacy matters, including Data Processing Agreements, is highly desirable.
- Experience of corporate governance and commercial transactions is desirable.
- Aviation experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail, professional integrity, and sound judgment.
- Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Microsoft 365.
- Willingness to be present in the Head Office in Runcorn a minimum of 3 days per week.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
The list above is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a starting point. Responsibilities may vary depending on location and local customer requirements.
Your next step
This is a fantastic opportunity for an In-House Legal Counsel with strong commercial contract experience to develop their career within a leading global business.
If you are 1 to 3 years' PQE with hands-on experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating commercial contracts, we would love to hear from you. Experience with data protection agreements and privacy matters would be a strong advantage.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to join Swissport, broaden your commercial legal experience, and play a key role in supporting the UK&I business.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location