A growing international sporting goods business is looking to appoint its first dedicated legal hire in Birmingham, offering a unique opportunity to shape and build the legal function while acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with stakeholders across the business, the Sole Legal Counsel will provide commercially focused legal support across a broad range of matters, helping the organisation continue its impressive growth both in the UK and internationally.

The Role

This is a broad and commercially engaging Sole Legal Counsel role with responsibility for:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, including distribution, supply, procurement, agency and service agreements.
• Advising on wholesale and international distribution arrangements.
• Supporting the protection and commercialisation of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, brand protection and licensing matters.
• Providing legal support on marketing initiatives, sponsorships, partnerships, influencer collaborations and digital campaigns.
• Advising on e-commerce, consumer law and digital trading issues.
• Supporting corporate governance, risk management and compliance initiatives across the business.
• Managing external legal advisers where required and ensuring pragmatic, commercially driven solutions.

About You

We are keen to speak with qualified lawyers who possess:

• Strong commercial contracts experience gained in-house or within private practice.
• Experience advising on distribution, wholesale, supply chain or international commercial arrangements.
• Exposure to intellectual property matters, including trademarks, branding or licensing.
• A practical, business-focused approach with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to operate autonomously.

Experience within retail, consumer products, sporting goods, fashion, FMCG or e-commerce environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Sole Legal Counsel to join a fast-growing international business at an exciting stage of its development based in Birmingham. The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders, varied and high-profile legal work, and the chance to genuinely influence business decisions while establishing yourself as a key strategic partner.

For more information about the Sole Legal Counsel role or similar positions please get in touch with Nisha Jassi for more information.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates