Senior Retail General Counsel (Fractional), Manchester

The role We are looking for a General Counsel to be the senior legal leader for Footasylum, responsible for overseeing all legal, governance, and compliance across the business. Operating as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Board, the role supports Footasylum’s commercial objectives while managing legal risk across retail operations, e-commerce, supply chain, brand protection, and international growth. This role blends strategic counsel with hands‑on leadership in a fast‑paced, consumer‑focused retail environment.Responsibilities We are looking for someone who embodies the Footasylum values - Collaboration, Communication&Challenge. You will lead corporate governance for Footasylum, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and shareholder requirements Act as principal legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board Identify, manage and mitigate legal and regulatory risk across the businessProviding pragmatic, commercial legal advice aligned to Footasylum's growth and brand strategy Supporting major strategic initiatives including store expansion, partnerships, acquisitions, and international development Embedding legal insight early into business planning and decision‑makingOverseeing Board processes, including resolutions, policies, and reporting Maintaining effective risk management frameworks and legal controls Leading legal support for UK and international retail operations, including store leases, property matters, and landlord negotiation Advising on consumer law, pricing, promotions, returns, and customer complaintsDrafting, negotiating and managing high‑value commercial contracts (suppliers, distributors, logistics, technology, sponsorships) Supporting e‑commerce operations, digital platforms, and omnichannel trading Protecting and managing Footasylum's intellectual property, including trademarks, branding, and licensingAdvising marketing and brand teams on advertising standards, influencer partnerships, sponsorships, and promotions Managing brand risk and reputational issues Ensuring compliance with data protection (GDPR), competition law, modern slavery, ESG and sustainability obligations Overseeing regulatory relationships and responses where requiredMonitoring legislative and regulatory developments impacting the retail and consumer landscape Leading developing and mentoring the in‑house legal team, including personally overseeing an SQE candidate completing their QWE and certifying such steps with the SRA Managing external legal advisers, controlling quality, cost, and riskDelivering efficient, scalable legal processes appropriate for a high‑growth retail business Skills&Experience Required Qualified solicitor (England&Wales) with significant post‑qualification experience (8 years minimum) Strong background in retail, consumer, fashion, or FMCG environments (in‑house or top‑tier private practice) Proven experience advising senior leadership and Boards Commercial, pragmatic mindset with the ability to balance risk and opportunityExpertise in commercial contracts, retail law, consumer law, and corporate governance Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills Comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, brand‑driven environment Work Arrangement This is not a remote role and the expectation is that you will be able to attend Head Office in a hybrid way, in Greater Manchester.#J-18808-Ljbffr