Country Counsel - Ireland

Job Introduction

Sodexo is seeking an experienced and strategic Country Counsel to lead legal operations across our business in Ireland. In this key leadership role, you will manage the provision of legal services to all business units and functions, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards and legislation. 

Your responsibilities will include overseeing and advising on ethical conduct, data protection, anti-trust matters, carrying out company secretarial functions, managing regulatory investigations, and directors’ duties. You will play a critical role in supporting profitable business growth by advising on legal and contractual risk, while also managing, leading, and developing any in-country legal professionals. 

You will be part of the UK&I legal team and report to the UK&I General Counsel. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional to make a meaningful impact within a global organisation.

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

• Participate as a full member of the Country Leadership Committee (CLC) and Ethics & Compliance Committee
• Ensure sound corporate governance and compliance (including company secretarial support, statutory board meetings, minutes, filing and reporting statutory documents, internal company records with Group)
• Manage and advise on the legal aspects of corporate governance, legal compliance, contracting, commercial risk management, commercial litigation and regulatory or criminal investigations
• Ensure alignment between business objectives and legal support to promote the profitable growth of the business while managing risks
• Manage and advise on the legal aspects relating to public and private tenders 
• Review, draft and negotiate contracts 
• Advise on insurance policies 
• Manage the provision of all legal services (internal and external to drive efficiency) and training
• Manage legal budgets and costs, including efficient management of external counsel
  

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Educated to degree level 
• Irish law qualified professional with current practising certificate and substantial experience gained in private practice and in-house legal teams (8+ years PQE as a guide)
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing legal services in a country
• Strong experience in corporate governance and legal compliance including ethical conduct, data protection, anti-trust, company secretarial functions, regulatory investigations and officers’ and directors’ duties
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, drafting, legal analysis and problem resolution
• Broad legal and commercial skills and experience gained in a complex, multinational environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as team spirit
• Exceptional leadership, project and financial management skills
• Adept at cultivating and managing high-impact relationships across all organisational levels, including senior executives, to influence decision-making 
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively to implement business-oriented solutions
• Significant experience in company secretarial matters and advising Boards and Executives  

Package Description

Competitive salary + Bonus + Car Allowance 

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.