Legal Counsel

We are on the lookout for a bright, enthusiastic lawyer to join a small legal team at the heart of Howdens, a fast‑moving FTSE 100 business.

 You’ll be entrusted with real responsibility from the start: both for delivering great, practical legal advice and building your own relationships - whether that is with our exec team or our dynamic depot managers. The role is varied. Depending on previous experience and your own interests, you will cover everything from commercial contracts and logistics to marketing, data protection and IP.  We want you to be an integrated part of our business. 

This is an initial 12‑month FTC based at our Raunds office in Northamptonshire.  

What you’ll be doing as a Legal Counsel at Howdens:

You’ll work alongside the Head of Legal, Senior Legal Counsel and Solicitor Apprentice to proactively support and protect the business.

• Draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements across the business with marketing, IT, procurement, logistics, commercial including high value, strategic contracts
• Advise on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, marketing, IP and much more
• Manage Howdens’ intellectual property portfolio, ensuring brand strategy is fit for purpose and protects Howdens future ambitions
• Work on cross-functional projects relating to innovation and new products
• Assist with data protection queries. Raise awareness of AI and data protection matters within the business, particularly in relation to commercial contracts.
• Build on your knowledge of legal issues and share this with the legal team and the wider business. Provide training.
• Support and deputise for legal team members. Help keep the legal function efficient, agile and fit for the future.
• Become part of the Howdens culture – participate in and provide training, social events and corporate initiatives. Be an advocate for the Howdens business and promote the Howdens values.

What we are looking for from you:

• UK (or equivalent) qualified solicitor. With at least 2 years PQE, or equivalent and relevant commercial contracts drafting and negotiating experience – this is essential as it will be at least 50% of the role.
• In-house experienced (or via secondment). You need to know how to work within a commercial business
• Relationship builder. Howdens is built on the strong relationships between its depots and its trade customers. This ethos is reflected throughout the business.  You will need authenticity, integrity and the ability to gain trust quickly.
• Comfortable with working at pace, adapting to whatever the day brings and taking responsibility.
• We are a small team.  We work closely together, have each other’s back and communicate lots.
• Creative. You will need to ask questions, provide practical/legally compliant solutions, reassess priorities against competing deadlines, regulatory changes and conflicting commercial needs.

About Howdens:

As the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, Howdens proudly supports over 460,000 trade professionals through our network of 850+ depots. As a constituent of the FTSE 100 and with sales of £2.3 billion in 2024, we continue to expand, offering exciting opportunities for growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. 

What we can offer you: 

• Competitive salary + car allowance
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%) 
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Staff Discount 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events 

How to apply:  

If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career then we’re keen to hear from you.  

When you apply, you will need to attach a CV.  Good luck with your application.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.  

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