<div class="clearfix"></div><h1 class="job-title axiom0-0 axiom-scraped-0">Senior Legal Counsel</h1><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">We are seeking a bright, experienced and energetic lawyer to join our small legal team at the heart of Howdens, a fast‑moving FTSE 100 business, deputising for the Head of Legal and supervising and mentoring junior team members. This is an initial 9 month FTC. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">The role is autonomous, varied and demanding but within a genuinely supportive business and a great team.&nbsp; We need someone who wants to get to know our business and get stuck in.&nbsp; You will be able to build relationships quickly across all levels, have experience in a broad range of commercial legal areas and deliver practical advice at pace. You will cover everything from commercial contracts and logistics to crisis management, marketing, data protection and IP, with great opportunities to lead diverse projects across all areas of Howdens.&nbsp; </span></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">What you’ll be doing as a Legal Counsel at Howdens: </span></strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">You’ll work in a team of 4 providing commercial legal advice to support and deliver business goals.&nbsp; You will work directly with members of the Executive Committee, liaise and instruct the Group’s external legal advisers, lead on negotiations, and support the teams in our 900+depots.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your style, advice and solutions will adapt accordingly.&nbsp; </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Primarily based in Raunds but with opportunities to work in all Howdens locations.&nbsp; Our team is where the business needs us to be – but we value our homelife too!&nbsp; Will consider lawyers wanting to do 4 day week.&nbsp; </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Each day is different but here is a flavour of what you’ll do:</span></p><ul><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Draft and&nbsp;negotiate a wide range of simple and complex commercial agreements and other legal documents across all divisions of Howdens (UK and Ireland), ensuring compliance with Group contract management processes, and supporting and upskilling contract owners so that they can effectively manage risks. </span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Primary legal adviser on strategic or high value projects, ensuring that risks are effectively identified, managed, mitigated and escalated.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Main contact point for all data protection queries.&nbsp; Lead for AI Governance Committee.&nbsp; Raise awareness of data protection and AI matters within Howdens, manage Howdens’ data protection and AI compliance in collaboration with the Information Security team.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Providing ad hoc general legal advice, instruct and manage external legal advisors to ensure advice is fit for purpose and within budget.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Identify training needs and developing and deliver legal training sessions to the legal team and relevant business areas.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Maintain and develop user-friendly guidance on Group Legal intranet site; assist with the implementation of new policies and procedures across the business.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Lead legal horizon scanning sessions within the legal team cascade relevant updates to give to the business; advising management on new developments and business risks which may impact Howdens.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Assist with product compliance issues, ESG regulation, digital projects and minor disputes.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Provide escalation support for brand management issues such as marketing advice, IP portfolio management, product name checks, patent registration and maintenance, domain name infringement and comparative advertising.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Mentor and supervise junior colleagues including day to day responsibility for training our solicitor apprentice.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Become part of the Howdens culture – participate in and provide training, social events and corporate initiatives.&nbsp; Be an advocate for the Howdens business and promote the Howdens values.</span></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">What we are looking for from you:</span></strong></p><ul><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">UK (or equivalent) qualified solicitor.&nbsp; At least 5 years + PQE, with experience of a wide range of legal matters including complex commercial contracts.&nbsp; Retail experience a benefit.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Relationship builder. Howdens is built on the strong relationships between its depots and its trade customers.&nbsp; This ethos is reflected throughout the business.&nbsp; You will need authenticity, integrity and the ability to gain trust quickly.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Adaptable. Comfortable with working at pace in a complex business environment, adapting to whatever the day brings and taking responsibility.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Collaborative.&nbsp; We are a small team.&nbsp; We work closely together and look out for each other.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Curious. Creative. You will need to ask questions, provide practical/legally compliant solutions, reassess priorities against competing deadlines, regulatory changes and conflicting commercial needs. </span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Organised and autonomous.&nbsp; You will need to manage a complex workload, report on your progress, push back when needed and balance multiple business matters whilst meeting multiple deadlines.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Skilled advocate and ability to compromise. You will need excellent influencing skills.&nbsp; Howdens is an autonomous and decentralised business with many competing influences.&nbsp; You will need to advocate to protect our business, our colleagues, our investors and our board.</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">More than a lawyer. Bonus points for having lots of hobbies and interests outside of work! </span></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">About Howdens:</span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">As the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, Howdens proudly supports over 460,000 trade professionals through our network of 900+ depots. As a constituent of the FTSE 100 and with sales of £2.4 billion in 2025, we continue to expand, offering exciting opportunities for growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">What we can offer you:</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Competitive salary + car allowance </span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)&nbsp;</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">25 days holiday + bank holidays </span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Staff Discount&nbsp;</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Employee Assistance Programme&nbsp;</span></li><li><!-- [if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Exceptional Reward and Recognition events&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">How to apply:</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career then we’re keen to hear from you.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">When you apply, you will need to attach a CV.&nbsp; Good luck with your application. </span></p><p><em><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.</span></em><em><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></em><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Rooster',sans-serif;">#LI-SW1</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p></div><div class="sharelinks"><div class="linkedinbutton sharebutton pull-left"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://platform.linkedin.com/in.js"></script><span class="IN-widget" data-lnkd-debug="&lt;script type=&quot;in/share+init&quot; data-counter=&quot;right&quot; data-url=&quot;https://isw.changeworknow.co.uk/howdens/vms/e/careers/positions/c5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1; vertical-align: bottom; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; vertical-align: bottom !important; font-size: 1px !important;"><button class="IN-e146f606-483d-4824-a598-79a778fddfb4-1G9ISYhSF8XoOmdcl0yKDu"><xdoor-icon aria-hidden="true"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24px" height="24px" x="0" y="0" preserveAspectRatio="xMinYMin meet"><g style="fill: currentColor"><rect x="-0.003" style="fill:none;" width="24" height="24"></rect><path style="" d="M20,2h-16c-1.1,0-2,0.9-2,2v16c0,1.1,0.9,2,2,2h16c1.1,0,2-0.9,2-2V4C22,2.9,21.1,2,20,2zM8,19h-3v-9h3V19zM6.5,8.8C5.5,8.8,4.7,8,4.7,7s0.8-1.8,1.8-1.8S8.3,6,8.3,7S7.5,8.8,6.5,8.8zM19,19h-3v-4c0-1.4-0.6-2-1.5-2c-1.1,0-1.5,0.8-1.5,2.2V19h-3v-9h2.9v1.1c0.5-0.7,1.4-1.3,2.6-1.3c2.3,0,3.5,1.1,3.5,3.7V19z"></path></g></svg></xdoor-icon>Share</button></span></span></div><div class="tweetbutton sharebutton pull-left"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" class="twitter-share-button twitter-share-button-rendered twitter-tweet-button" title="X Post Button" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/tweetbutton.2f70fb173b9000da126c79afe2098f02.en.html#dnt=false&amp;id=twitter-widget-0&amp;lang=en&amp;originalreferer=https%3A%2F%2Fisw.changeworknow.co.uk%2Fhowdens%2Fvms%2Fe%2Fcareers%2Fpositions%2Fc5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4&amp;related=%40changeworknow&amp;size=m&amp;text=Howdens%20Joinery%20Co.%20Careers%20-%20Senior%20Legal%20Counsel&amp;time=1776083952364&amp;type=share&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fisw.changeworknow.co.uk%2Fhowdens%2Fvms%2Fe%2Fcareers%2Fpositions%2Fc5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 66px; height: 20px;" data-url="https://isw.changeworknow.co.uk/howdens/vms/e/careers/positions/c5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4"></iframe><script type="text/javascript" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div><div class="facebooklikebutton sharebutton pull-left"><script>(function(d, s, id) {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) return;js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/enUS/all.js#xfbml=1&status=0&appId=352523527214784";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-share-button fbiframewidget" data-href="https://isw.changeworknow.co.uk/howdens/vms/e/careers/positions/c5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4" width="90" data-layout="button" data-size="" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" fb-iframe-plugin-query="appid=&amp;containerwidth=37&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fisw.changeworknow.co.uk%2Fhowdens%2Fvms%2Fe%2Fcareers%2Fpositions%2Fc5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4&amp;layout=button&amp;locale=enUS&amp;sdk=joey&amp;size=&amp;width=90"><span style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 67px; height: 20px;"><iframe name="f96e6fbe2f5d566c6" width="90px" height="1000px" data-testid="fb:sharebutton Facebook Social Plugin" title="fb:sharebutton Facebook Social Plugin" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media" src="https://www.facebook.com/v2.9/plugins/sharebutton.php?appid=&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxdarbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df221c951a8cbe86dc%26domain%3Disw.changeworknow.co.uk%26iscanvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fisw.changeworknow.co.uk%252Ffb957bbaa3342bc24%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;containerwidth=37&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fisw.changeworknow.co.uk%2Fhowdens%2Fvms%2Fe%2Fcareers%2Fpositions%2Fc5-qRFivjmKPtMt9mC6vO4&amp;layout=button&amp;locale=enUS&amp;sdk=joey&amp;size=&amp;width=90" style="border: none; visibility: visible; width: 67px; height: 20px;" class=""></iframe></span></div><div id="fb-root"></div></div><div class="clear"></div></div><a class="btn btn-primary pull-right" href="/howdens/vms/e/careers/candidates/applications/new?howtoapply=dGB1eb7aji-P-nbdAycC5X">Apply now</a><div class="clearfix"></div>