Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Commercial Lawyer, Yorkshire Are you an experienced Commercial Lawyer seeking a role with real influence, autonomy, and long-term progression? Our client, a nationally recognised and fast-growing organisation within their sector, is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join their supportive and agile in-house legal function. This is a rare opportunity to take on a broad and high-impact role at a well-established business known for its strong values, community focus, and collaborative culture. Working closely with the General Counsel and senior stakeholders across the business, you will play a key role in shaping contract management, regulatory compliance, and data protection strategy across the group. It is a hybrid role, easy commute for 2 days a week from Leeds. This is an ideal role for a legally qualified professional looking to take the next step in their in-house career. You will work across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas, gaining exposure to a rich variety of legal work while contributing to strategic decision-making at a national level. You will join a friendly, cohesive Legal & Compliance team where your expertise will be valued, and your professional development will be actively supported. The organisation prides itself on offering autonomy, trust, and genuine opportunities to grow your career within a market-leading business. Key Responsibilities You will act as a trusted adviser to the business, delivering practical, solutions-focused legal support across a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters. Key areas of responsibility include: - Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial, construction, technical and IT agreements. - Support negotiations of complex, high-value contracts to ensure favourable and commercially aligned outcomes. - Lead initiatives to improve contract management processes, including precedents, playbooks, training materials, and automated solutions for high-volume, low-risk agreements. - Maintain, monitor, and enhance the organisation's data protection compliance frameworks, including policies, procedures, training and DPIAs/DTIAs. - Horizon scan and advise the business on emerging legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring timely adaptation of policies and practices. - Manage external legal advisers and service providers, ensuring advice is cost-effective and clearly communicated to the business. About You - The successful candidate will be a legally qualified UK professional with: - At least 5-6+ years PQE (or equivalent experience) in commercial, corporate, projects, construction or related fields. - Strong commercial contract experience, with the confidence to negotiate effectively at all levels. - Previous in-house experience is desirable but not essential. - Experience managing compliance colleagues and supporting DSAR processes would be beneficial. - Any exposure to construction, engineering claims, insurance or regulatory matters is advantageous but not required. You will thrive in this environment if you are a proactive, solutions-driven lawyer who enjoys collaborating with a range of stakeholders. A creative approach to problem solving-and an interest in legal tech or automation-would be extremely welcome. What's on Offer This organisation offers a genuinely rewarding working environment where legal professionals can have visibility, influence, and the freedom to contribute meaningfully. Benefits include: - Highly competitive salary, regularly benchmarked against the market. - Annual bonus scheme linked to company and team performance. - Hybrid working and supportive working culture (2 days in the office). - Access to a range of exclusive employee discounts, including holidays, leisure and wellbeing benefits. - A business environment built on trust, collaboration, and professional respect. - Clear and genuine opportunities for development and career progression.