Senior Legal Counsel - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

About Us

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs. We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

About the Role

The Senior Legal Counsel will be accountable for providing legal advice on commercial and transactional matters across the Ocado Group, both in the UK and internationally and will supervise other Legal Counsel and junior team members.

The Senior Legal Counsel will be required to meet expectations at pace on all aspects of commercial and technology law and transactional matters as well as contribute to the functional strategy of the team.

The Senior Legal Counsel will be collaborative in approach working with others across the growing business and build strong partnerships at all levels to enable Ocado to grow sustainably.

• Working collaboratively with senior stakeholders across the Business up to the Executive Director level
• Drafting, negotiating and providing expert advice on new and existing Ocado Solution Platform and Ocado Intelligent Automation contracts
• Drafting, negotiating and providing expert advice on a wide range of domestic and cross border general commercial work in respect of technology and software including:
• technology and hardware procurement arrangements including supply and/or manufacture agreements
• IT procurement including appointment of cloud service providers, SaaS and IT licences
• IP matters including collaboration agreements, licensing and cross-licensing
• data protection matters including data protection agreements and advice, and
• logistics and distribution agreements
• Ensuring compliance with corporate governance (including competition/antitrust policies) as part of any negotiations
• Anticipating, identifying and advising on disputes, construction/property, employment, corporate and financing issues in the context of commercial contracts and working collaboratively with the Disputes, Employment, Construction and Corporate Legal team on relevant matters
• Anticipating, identifying and advising on IP, competition and data protection issues in the context of commercial contracts and working collaboratively with the Compliance and Regulatory team on relevant matters
• Leading on the commercial legal aspects of key projects, including corporate and capital markets transactions, for example leading on the negotiation of transitional services agreements and ensuring milestones and objectives are met
• Liaising and managing external counsel effectively from a delivery, risk and cost perspective on a daily basis

About you

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with specialism in commercial and technology contracts / transactions of 6 years or more PQE (although candidates outside this range who can demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the role will still be considered)
• Experience advising on commercial and technology law outside of the UK, with a desire to develop and expand on expertise in this area
• Demonstrable experience of working with senior management including at executive level and operating with broad latitude in complex environments
• In-depth experience of domestic and cross border transactional  drafting, negotiating, and advising on a wide variety of commercial contracts in respect of technology investments, engineering and IT procurement, design, manufacture, supply and licensing including master service agreements, collaboration agreements, general terms and conditions, SaaS subscription agreements, logistics & distribution agreements and e-commerce agreements

What we offer

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge:
  25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Health & wellbeing:
  Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
  
  
• Family-first policies:
  22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (after qualifying period).
  
  
• Financial support:
  Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
  
  
• Commuter perks:
  Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
  
  
• Exclusive discounts:
  15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.