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 business
- Providing 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‑making
- Overseeing 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 complaints
- Drafting, 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 licensing
- Advising 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 required
- Monitoring 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 risk
- Delivering 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 opportunity
- Expertise 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.
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