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Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel – In-House (Commercial & Corporate Law)
CDS Superstores International Limited
About CDS Superstores CDS Superstores International Limited is one of the UK's leading retailers, operating multiple retail brands, including:
- The Range
- wilko
- Homebase
- Bathstore
The business maintains:
- A substantial retail estate
- A national distribution network
- An extensive supplier base across the UK and internationally
This role is part of a small dynamic in-house legal team, offering an opportunity to work across a wide range of commercial, corporate, regulatory, and operational matters in a fast-paced retail environment.
About the Role
The successful candidate will provide pr--- domestic, commercially focused legal advice and support across the CDS group, ensuring the business can:
- Manage legal risk while achieving commercial objectives.
- Support strategic initiatives, commercial projects, operational matters, and day-to-day legal requirements.
This position is ideally suited for a solicitor with 2–4 years' post-qualification experience seeking to develop a broad in-house legal career within a large, diverse retail organisation.
While alignment with the 2–4 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) range is preferred, CDS will consider candidates on their individual merits who can demonstrate a proactive, commercial approach.
Responsibilities
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The role involves:
Commercial & Contractual Support
- Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements.
- Provide practical legal and contractual advice, including rights, obligations, and dispute resolution strategies.
- Support contract lifecycle management and standardisation initiatives.
Legal & Regulatory Guidance
- Advise on legal and regulatory issues impacting CDS, including:
- Monitoring legal developments
- Providing guidance on emerging regulatory requirements.
- Liaise with the Company’s existing Data Protection Officer (DPO) where necessary.
Dispute & Claims Management
- Oversee pre-litigation disputes and legal claims, including:
- Commercial disputes
- Consumer claims
- Employment-related matters (in collaboration with HR)
- Intellectual property (IP) issues
- Regulatory investigations
- Maintain dispute records and support reporting to senior management.
External Relationships & Spend Management
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Instruct and oversee external legal advisers as required.
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Build strong stakeholder relationships across the business.
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Ensure legal advice aligns with business objectives while managing risks.
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Manage relationships with external law firms and monitors legal budgets.
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Review fee proposals and examine external legal budgets to ensure value for money.
Person Specification
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Essential Requirements
✔ Qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England & Wales. ✔ 2–4 years’ post-qualification experience (other candidates will be considered if they can demonstrate a proactive, commercial mindset). ✔ Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills. ✔ Experience gained in a law firm or in-house legal department. ✔ Excellent commercial awareness and risk assessment abilities. ✔ Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. ✔ Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. ✔ Strong organisation and project management skills.
Desirable Experience
🔹 Previous in-house legal experience (advantageous but not essential). 🔹 Experience in retail, consumer, logistics, or Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. 🔹 Prior exposure to regulatory and compliance matters (commercially orientated).
Benefits
✅ Competitive salary ✅ Company pension scheme ✅ Long service awards ✅ Employee discount ✅ Cycle to work scheme
Job Details
📍 Location: Plymouth, Devon 📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:45 – 17:30 💼 Type: Permanent, Full-time
Would you like ahighlight such as law firms, intellectual property, or specific industry needs to streamline candidate selection? Of course, the team values candidates across a range of backgrounds who demonstrate the resilience to make an impact in this role.
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