Group Commercial Legal Counsel

Job description
The role involves supporting the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment Commercial) within the Group Legal Business Assurance Team, which includes Legal, Health Safety, Compliance, and Risk. Key responsibilities include deputizing for the Group Senior Legal Counsel when needed, and managing a broad range of commercial contracts (client and supplier), such as NDAs, terms of business, consumer contracts, manufacturing agreements, and complex IT contracts. The role also includes advising on legal and risk matters, providing expert commercial legal guidance, and assisting the Group Procurement Team throughout the procurement process—from RFP stage to contract negotiation, management, and termination.

About DFS

Did you know a DFS sofa is in one-third of Britain’s homes?

Since 1+6+, we’ve been creating, marketing, and selling sofas that reflect people’s unique styles and tastes. We’ve always led the market, bringing comfort and great design to communities both online and in person.

We’re the UK’s leading sofa retail specialist, but here’s the secret to our success - it’s our people. They’re at the heart of what we do, and together, they’re crafting us towards our ambitious future.

We're an equal opportunities employer

We extend a warm welcome to everyone, weaving together a range of voices and perspectives to create a truly inclusive culture. As we strive to build a workplace that better reflects the diverse communities we serve, we encourage applications from under-represented groups. At DFS Group, we’re not just a place where everyone is welcome - we’re a place where everyone truly belongs.

What you'll be doing
• Reporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment Commercial), as part of the Group Legal Business Assurance Team (comprising Legal, Health Safety, Compliance and Risk). Deputising for the Group Senior Legal Counsel where necessary
• Responsible for reviewing, advising, drafting and negotiation of a wide range of key commercial contracts (client and supplier) for our Group companies; including NDAs, standard terms of business and bespoke contracts, consumer contracts, manufacturing agreements, complex and high value IT contracts and associated contracts such as data sharing agreements, quality/technical agreements.
• Providing strong and concise expert advice on commercial legal matters and advising on risk
• Supporting the Group Procurement Team with a solutions-focussed approach, from RFP stage through to advising on contract terms, contract management and termination
• Working closely with the Group Customer Operations Director and their team in providing expert and commercial Consumer law advice
• Litigation - managing a caseload of consumer small claims from end to end efficiently and commercially, through positive engagement and influence with our customer service teams
• Ensuring the Group is compliant with a variety of regulatory requirements and thoroughly understanding and anticipating the regulatory environment in which it operates
• Drafting and engaging with the business in the implementation of new policies and processes
• Responsible and accountable for the Group’s bank of commercial legal precedents
• Providing training and coaching key stakeholders in the business on a variety of topics, with the ability to distil complex legal matters into an easily understandable and digestible format
• Keep up to date with emerging risks, trends, and changes to the legislative framework which may impact the business.
• Ensuring the business is well prepared for legislative changes; engaging with stakeholders to share knowledge, advise changes to/new processes to ensure compliance whilst helping the business achieve its objectives

The role is for you if...
• You're a technical expert with at least 4 years’ PQE or relevant pre-qualification experience
• Financial services experience is highly desirable
• Strong background in large-scale IT contract negotiation including SaaS contracts and contracts with an AI element
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation; ensuring the business is compliant and appropriately manages associated risks
• Applies a rigorous yet commercially minded approach and must be comfortable standing by those views if challenged - strong influencing skills are required
• Comfortable working at a fast pace and happy to work both independently and alongside teams across our business
• Ability to build strong relationships across the Group, with strong communication skills across a variety of audiences. Fosters a collaborative approach.
• Good computer and IT skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organised, pro-active, disciplined and with strong time-management skills. Ability to identify and prioritise more urgent matters
• Demonstrable commercial awareness in approach to advising internal stakeholders - previous in-house experience is desirable but not essential
• Possesses an interest in current trends within the legal industry around contract management technology and the use of AI
• Growth and learning mindset - always curious, always looking to learn and share knowledge for the benefit of the team and wider business

DFS Benefits
• Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.
• Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
• Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.
• Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
• Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
• Life Assurance Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay. Read more