External representation and industry influence

• Represent Unilever in relevant trade bodies (e.g. UKCPI) and with regulators, authorities and trade associations, shaping legal and policy positions and supporting alignment on industry initiatives.

Issue and incident response

• Lead rapid risk assessment and resolution on ad hoc commercial, supply chain and consumer issues; support Consumer Care and Communications on complex complaints and incident management.

Capability building

• Build legal capability across the business through targeted training, practical playbooks, templates and guidance that drive consistent, high-quality decision-making and embed Unilever's compliance framework.

Cross-border collaboration

• Contribute to and lead cross-country projects in partnership with in-house lawyers across Europe and globally, sharing learnings and bringing pan-Unilever perspective into UKI decisions.

Experience and Skills

Experience

• Qualified lawyer with a minimum of six years' post-qualification experience advising on marketing and commercial legal matters; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• FMCG, retail or consumer brands experience preferred but not essential.
• Demonstrable track record advising senior business stakeholders in a fast-paced, brand-led environment.

Technical expertise

• Marketing and advertising law, including claims support within a regulated environment (detailed regulatory knowledge not required - covered by a specialist team).
• Commercial contracts across a broad range of brand-building, customer and third-party arrangements.
• Working knowledge of competition law, particularly as applied to agreements between Unilever and its customers (with support from specialist colleagues).
• Familiarity with leading and managing disputes with the support of internal experts to deliver commercial outcomes.

Personal capabilities

• The successful candidate will demonstrate strong agility, with the ability to rapidly shift focus across a wide range of matters in a fast-paced environment. Prior in-house experience is essential, ideally within an FMCG or matrix setting.
• Confident, credible communicator able to influence at leadership level and translate legal complexity into commercial clarity.
• Sharp commercial judgement, weighing cost, risk and competitive advantage to propose creative, deliverable solutions.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills; calm under pressure and able to deliver to short deadlines.
• Proactive, flexible and collaborative team player who builds trust across functions and geographies.
• Builder of legal capability in the wider business, with a coaching mindset and high standards of integrity.

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever.

Recruitment Fraud

Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.

How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down.

What can I do?

If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat.

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!