Assistant General Counsel

Job Introduction

At Sodexo, we recognise that legal expertise is not just a support function—it’s a strategic driver of business success. As Assistant General Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting our UK operations, navigating complex legal matters, ensuring compliance, and enabling sustainable growth.

This is a high-impact position for a commercially minded legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, multinational environment. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, providing expert legal advice on a broad range of issues including commercial contracts, outsourcing, public procurement, and regulatory matters.

Your leadership will help shape legal strategy, improve operational efficiency, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability. If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and purpose—this is your opportunity.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers  

Main Responsibilities 

This role requires navigating complex legal and commercial challenges while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert legal advice, risk management, contract drafting and training across diverse business areas to support growth and business strategy.
• Supporting the negotiation and management of major contracts and tender processes within the Health & Care, Government, Energy & Resources, Procurement, Tech, and Services segments.
• Driving consistency in legal guidance, risk assessment, and commercial decision-making.
• Supporting leadership in maintaining ethical business practices and ensuring compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws.
• Leading and managing a team of six lawyers, ensuring agility, collaboration, and professional development.
• Working strategically with the General Counsel and legal leadership to foster an efficient, high-performing department.
• Ensuring alignment between Sodexo’s legal strategy and business priorities, effectively communicating and implementing key directives.
• Developing and delivering training programmes on legal, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Leading recruitment efforts for legal team expansion as needed.
• Driving innovative solutions that enhance legal operations and commercial agility, optimizing value for Sodexo.
• Acting as Deputy to the General Counsel.
• Maintaining financial discipline and commercial efficiency within the legal department budget.
• Implementing efficient administrative systems and agile processes.

The Ideal Candidate 

Essential

• Educated to degree level 
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or equivalent jurisdiction (10+ years qualification)
• Extensive legal and commercial expertise gained in top tier private practice and in a large, fast-paced multinational environment
• Expertise in commercial contracts, outsourced services contracts, public procurement, TUPE, GDPR, digital transformations and services agreements, including technology services agreements
• Proven experience in joint ventures, complex contracts and legal structures, mergers and acquisitions
• Exposure to PFI/PPP and public sector contracts and tendering processes including negotiation and problem resolution
• Management of disputes and litigation
• Displaying a high standard of legal expertise and commercial acumen.
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Project management and financial oversight capabilities
• Strategic and innovative thinking with the ability to implement commercially viable solutions

Desirable

• Proficiency in at least two modern European languages
• Company secretarial experience

Package Description

Competitive Salary + Annual Bonus + Excellent benefits package

Hybrid working - 2 days from office 

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. 

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. 

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice. 

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.  

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! 

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.