Sole Legal Counsel

A growing international sporting goods business is looking to appoint its first dedicated legal hire in Birmingham, offering a unique opportunity to shape and build the legal function while acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with stakeholders across the business, the Sole Legal Counsel will provide commercially focused legal support across a broad range of matters, helping the organisation continue its impressive growth both in the UK and internationally.

The Role

This is a broad and commercially engaging Sole Legal Counsel role with responsibility for:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, including distribution, supply, procurement, agency and service agreements.
• Advising on wholesale and international distribution arrangements.
• Supporting the protection and commercialisation of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, brand protection and licensing matters.
• Providing legal support on marketing initiatives, sponsorships, partnerships, influencer collaborations and digital campaigns.
• Advising on e-commerce, consumer law and digital trading issues.
• Supporting corporate governance, risk management and compliance initiatives across the business.
• Managing external legal advisers where required and ensuring pragmatic, commercially driven solutions.

About You

We are keen to speak with qualified lawyers who possess:

• Strong commercial contracts experience gained in-house or within private practice.
• Experience advising on distribution, wholesale, supply chain or international commercial arrangements.
• Exposure to intellectual property matters, including trademarks, branding or licensing.
• A practical, business-focused approach with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to operate autonomously.

Experience within retail, consumer products, sporting goods, fashion, FMCG or e-commerce environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Sole Legal Counsel to join a fast-growing international business at an exciting stage of its development based in Birmingham. The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders, varied and high-profile legal work, and the chance to genuinely influence business decisions while establishing yourself as a key strategic partner.

Desired Skills and Experience

Commercial Contracts, Contract Negotiation, International Commercial Agreements, Distribution Agreements, Intellectual Property (IP), Trademark Protection, Brand Protection & Licensing, E-commerce Law, Consumer Law, Digital & Online Trading, Sponsorship & Partnership Agreements, Marketing & Advertising Law, Corporate Governance, Risk Management

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates