ABOUT US

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 119 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 26,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all.

As we move forward, our consumers will be at the heart of what we do, evolving to needs and expectations and committing to a more meaningful contribution to harm reduction by building a successful NGP business. Integral to our long-term success is our sustainability strategy, behaving responsibly and supporting our ambitions, all underpinned by high governance.

Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

THE ROLE

Following an internal promotion, Imperial Brands are hiring a Senior Commercial Counsel to join the Group Legal team to provide, facilitate and control the delivery of strategic legal advice and support to senior stakeholders across the business.

Reporting into the Head of Commercial & Integrity, this individual will cover strategic and material contracts on a wide range of commercial transactions and business activities, including:

• providing expert legal advice and guidance on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters.
• playing a pivotal role in cross-functional collaboration and partnering with procurement, supply chain teams to streamline process and enhance contract management efficiency
• drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, agreements, and other legal document
• collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry regulations and guidelines.
• offering strategic counsel to senior management on legal risks and potential business impacts.
• staying updated on industry regulations and legal trends that could affect our business and commercial operations.

In addition, this individual will be responsible for upholding integrity, compliance, and transparency within the business environment by providing legal guidance, strategic advice, and risk management solutions to compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards in the areas of anti-bribery and corruption, fraud, sanctions compliance, proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Providing advice and legal support on drafting and negotiating a range of commercial legal issues and/or arrangements, including licence, distribution, manufacturing, supply and other key commercial agreements.
• Reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Providing legal advice on contract terms, identifying potential risks, and proposing necessary modifications to protect Imperial’s interests.
• Monitoring and helping ensure compliance with relevant commercial integrity laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. Reviewing and interpreting legal requirements, assessing potential risks, and developing compliance strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in commercial operations. This includes drafting and updating internal compliance policies and training materials to educate employees on legal requirements and ethical standards.
• Assisting in the conduct of internal investigations; gathering and analysing evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and making recommendations for appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures or reporting to regulatory authorities if necessary.
• Designing and delivering training programmes and workshops to educate employees on commercial, legal and ethical obligations. Raising awareness of compliance standards, providing guidance on potential issues, and encouraging a culture of integrity throughout the organisation.
• Providing ad hoc support on PLC-related projects and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and disposals and significant capital markets matters.
• Instructing, directing and managing external advisers to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of high quality, targeted and commercially appropriate legal advice to the Group.
• Managing, controlling and interpreting information flows between commercial colleagues and external advisers.
• Drafting policies, guidelines and legal issues updates to enhance awareness and understanding of legal issues across the Group, and providing training as appropriate.
• Assisting with the development, maintenance and delivery of an up-to-date bank of commonly used legal precedents for use within Group Legal and throughout the business.
• Managing other areas of risk on behalf of Group Legal (for example, specific ESG projects, US/ROW relations, data protection).

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Senior lawyer qualified in the UK or other European jurisdiction, with substantial commercial/corporate experience at a major law firm or in-house.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Excellent people, process and task management skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and drafting skills.
• Experience of involvement in sizeable projects and project teams.
• Proven organisational and project management skills.
• Firm resolve when robust advice is required.
• Ability to drive results in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and decisions under time constraints.
• Ability to communicate well at all levels;
• Ability to manage external advisors, whilst controlling costs; and
• Some international travel may be required.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, and 25 days holiday (with an additional 4 days on top to cover the Christmas period, and bank holidays), corporate discounts, Health Cash Plan, and other wellbeing initiatives.

NEXT STEPS

Interested applicants should apply with their CV highlighting their suitability for the role.