Senior Legal Counsel

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

SDUK's brands include the Nation’s favourite cheese brand Cathedral City plus other well-known butter & spreads (Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, Utterly Butterly), functional ingredients and dairy free products.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a qualified solicitor to join our in-house Legal Team at our UK Head Office in Weybridge, Surrey. You’ll be part of a dynamic, friendly team and a much larger global network of Saputo lawyers in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, and the USA. We regularly collaborate on global projects and share best practices. As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be a true legal business partner, building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, providing clear, pragmatic advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives, influencing decision-making and helping shape business strategy. You will be working closely with commercial, procurement, marketing, supply chain, and leadership teams to deliver practical, strategic legal advice.

We offer a modern, flexible working environment, with opportunities to explore hybrid working and core hours arrangements to support your work-life balance.

YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY…

• Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing a wide range of commercial agreements, including those for supply, distribution, logistics, co-manufacturing, and strategic customer partnerships.
• Advising on direct and indirect procurement contracts, with a focus on sustainability, risk management, and commercial value.
• Providing legal guidance on trademarks, copyright, patents, and brand enforcement to safeguard the company’s IP assets.
• Supporting high-profile marketing campaigns, influencer and sponsorship agreements, licensing deals, and digital initiatives, while ensuring compliance with advertising laws.
• Delivering practical compliance advice and training to help the business navigate competition law requirements.
• Advising on data protection compliance, internal policies, and incident response strategies to ensure alignment with GDPR and related legislation.
• Offering training and legal support on ethical business conduct, and maintaining policies on anti-bribery, fraud prevention, and corporate criminal offences.
• Managing and resolving disputes involving suppliers, customers, and consumers, with a focus on risk mitigation and commercial outcomes.
• Assisting with corporate transactions such as asset sales, purchases, and joint ventures, including due diligence, disclosure, and pre- and post-completion matters.

YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE…

• A UK-qualified commercial solicitor with at least 5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE), gained in a leading law firm or a blue-chip in-house legal environment.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, with strong business acumen and the ability to provide robust yet pragmatic legal advice across the business.
• An effective communicator, able to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels and tailor your communication style to suit different audiences.
• Confident in translating complex legal issues into practical, commercially sound solutions, balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Proactive, collaborative, and commercially savvy, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH…

• Company Car/Travel Allowance
• Private Health Care
• Bonus scheme up to 15% paid quarterly
• Flexible and hybrid working approach to balance work/life needs, subject to business agreement.
• Autonomous and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Health cash plan - claim money back towards essential healthcare such as dental, eye care etc.
• Access to Thrive 24-hours a day - a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
• Long service recognised every 5 years
• Life assurance up to 4 x contractual pay
• Discounted branded products
• Free, onsite parking
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• 25 holidays + 8 bank holidays
• One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institutions of your choice
• Opportunity to swap traditional UK holidays for dates significant to your cultural and religious beliefs
• My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings - providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers.

For additional information on our benefits please go to uk.saputo.com/en/carees/employee-benefits

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.

To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.

Agencies - Thank you for your interest in working with Saputo Dairy UK. We have a PSL who will be supporting us if needed. We do not pay fees or acknowledge any CV’s supplied to Saputo Dairy UK unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.

In the UK, Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients. We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads, and dairy-free products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Wensleydale.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success.

You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.