Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel (IT & Commercial) - FTC

Ref:  39609
Contracted Hours:  39 hours per week
Custom Field 4: 
Job Type:  Fixed Term
Location: 

Handforth, CHE, SK9 3RN

Description: 

Help shape the future of pet care, supporting everything from day-to-day commercial and technology matters to some of the most exciting technology and commercial projects in UK retail!

At Pets at Home, we're united by one purpose, to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. As the UK's leading pet care business, we're investing heavily in digital innovation, technology transformation and new ways to serve our customers. We're now looking for a talented Legal Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel to join our highly regarded in-house Legal team on a fixed-term basis (minimum six months).

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, navigating complex challenges and providing practical legal solutions that help a business thrive.

The role offers hybrid working (two office days per week) from our Support Office in Handforth, Cheshire.

About the Role

Reporting to one of our Heads of Legal, you'll play a key role supporting technology and commercial activity across the Group, advising colleagues across Digital, Technology, Procurement, Information Security and Data Privacy.

Your work will include:

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of technology and commercial contracts, including SaaS, software licensing, outsourcing, technology services and supply agreements
  • Supporting strategic technology, cybersecurity, AI, data and digital transformation initiatives
  • Providing pragmatic commercial advice across areas such as IP, brand protection, marketing, consumer law, data protection and insurance
  • Delivering legal guidance, training and compliance support across the business
  • Monitoring legal and regulatory developments and helping stakeholders respond confidently to change

This role offers excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and high-profile, business-critical projects.

About You

We're looking for a qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with strong experience in technology and commercial contracting, gained in private practice and/or in-house.

You'll bring:

  • Around 5+ years' PQE (or equivalent experience)
  • Strong drafting and negotiation skills across IT and commercial agreements
  • Commercial awareness, sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to risk
  • The ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and concisely
  • Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills
  • A proactive, collaborative mindset and a genuine desire to make a difference

In-house experience would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Why Join Pets at Home?

  • Work for a market-leading, values-led business with pets at the heart of everything we do
  • Gain exposure to innovative technology, digital and strategic projects
  • Join a supportive, high-performing legal team where your contribution is valued
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including; 28 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), private healthcare, life assurance and a range of additional colleague benefits

Whether you're an experienced Legal Counsel or ready to step into a Senior Legal Counsel role, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a business that's ambitious, growing and passionate about doing the right thing.

Apply today and help us improve the life of every pet in the UK!

Pets just see people. They aren’t biased and they don’t discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!

#LI-DNI

Business Unit:  Group Support
Date:  8 Jul 2026