General Commercial Solicitor

Role Overview

Join Screwfix as a General Commercial Solicitor and become a vital contributor to our dynamic Commercial Legal Team. Your role will involve providing astute, commercially-orientated legal advice to ensure the business moves quickly yet responsibly.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to the business, leading on major commercial contracts, overseeing legal and regulatory risks, and collaborating closely with senior management, procurement, operations, and other departments. This close partnership enables well-informed, commercially intelligent decisions.

Your legal expertise will help protect and enhance the Screwfix brand, unlock growth opportunities, and underpin a business culture grounded in trust, simplicity, and strong customer focus.

This position suits a solicitor who thrives in a fast-paced environment and seeks to have meaningful impact—someone who balances legal acumen with risk management to facilitate optimal commercial decisions across the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage legal risk related to commercial agreements involving suppliers of goods and services, including complex tenders, contracts, and dispute resolution.
• Draft and negotiate a variety of intricate commercial contracts such as intragroup agreements, logistics and warehousing, supply of goods and services, technology/software contracts, and NDAs.
• Support contract lifecycle management processes such as renewals, updates, and mitigating disputes.
• Advise business teams on contract structuring and risk in line with commercial strategy.
• Develop and maintain compliant contract templates, standard terms, and playbooks.
• Provide expert legal counsel on strategically important business projects and a broad spectrum of commercial legal issues.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Kingfisher Group and external legal counsel efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Escalate and manage legal risks to ensure informed commercial decision-making.
• Ensure contracts comply with data protection regulations and provide guidance on various data protection matters.
• Advise on regulatory laws such as competition, consumer law, and intellectual property/brand protection as appropriate.
• Identify and implement process improvements and innovative methods to enhance efficiency within the legal function.
• Assist with managing disputes before litigation and support the wider Legal team as needed.
• Deliver training to Screwfix teams about contract risks, legal compliance, and internal procedures to improve awareness and understanding of key legal issues.

Required Skills & Experience

• Qualified UK solicitor with at least 4 years post-qualification experience, demonstrating a strong track record in private practice and/or in-house commercial law roles within FMCG businesses.
• Highly skilled in contract law with exceptional drafting and negotiation abilities across a wide range of complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of data protection law and information governance; knowledge of competition and regulatory laws is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to adjust style for diverse audiences.
• Adept at balancing legal risks with commercial objectives effectively.
• Strong influencing skills, able to present complex legal concepts clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to negotiate successfully in both contentious (pre-litigation) and non-contentious scenarios.
• Meticulous with strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and timely completion of tasks to high standards.

Employee Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus up to 20%
• 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays, with 5 days flexible
• Hybrid flexible working policy and core hours with flexible start/end times
• Option to purchase additional holiday up to one extra week
• Electric Vehicle leasing scheme in partnership with Tusker
• Generous pension contributions up to 14% from employer
• Life insurance cover up to four times annual salary
• Health cash plan and discounted gym memberships (up to 25% off)
• 20% discount at Screwfix and B&Q retail stores
• Financial wellbeing programs including Wagestream earnings tracking, Kingfisher Share Scheme participation, colleague support fund, exclusive app offers, and cycle-to-work savings
• Ongoing career development, coaching, mentoring and wellbeing resources including PepTalk and support networks

Recruitment Process and Values

Individuals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with an informal initial chat via phone or video to ensure mutual fit. A comprehensive recruitment process follows with constant support and communication from our Talent Acquisition team.

The company fosters open, honest communication and collaborative culture, promoting diversity and inclusivity where all voices are heard and valued. Adjustments for applications can be requested if needed.

Sustainability and Inclusion

Screwfix is dedicated to sustainability through actions including carbon reduction, responsible sourcing, waste recycling, sustainable packaging, and extending product lifecycles. We nurture a genuine community where teamwork and equal opportunity for growth are cornerstones.

Additional Information

Please note that agencies should not apply for this vacancy.