Legal Counsel (BAT Exports)

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

The objective of the role is to provide commercial legal, corporate governance and general compliance advice to all functional teams assigned to BAT Exports, in particular Operations, Procurement, Finance and Tax.

The focus of the role is to provide proactive and business relevant legal counselling of a high professional standard on all aspects of BAT Exports’ business arrangements, including material purchasing, supply chain network operations, toll manufacturing, third party contract manufacturing, intercompany supply of (semi-)finished goods, limited risk distribution agreements and third-party distribution contracts.

The role reports to the Head of Legal BAT Exports & R&D and forms part of the BAT Exports Legal Team, further consisting of an Assistant Legal Counsel and a Legal Executive.

British American Tobacco Exports Limited (BAT Exports) acts as the Group principal for sale and distribution of combustibles, and as master licensor for international combustibles brands. BAT Exports operates a limited risk distribution model for Europe Japan and New Zealand and leads third party distribution in Europe Africa and the Caribbean. Its distribution activities are supported by toll and contract manufacturing arrangements with factories across Europe.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Acting as commercial counsel to all functional teams assigned to BAT Exports, with a focus on all aspects of third-party direct materials procurement, logistics, toll- and contract manufacturing arrangements, and providing input to support strategic Operations business initiatives involving BAT Exports.
• Structuring, negotiating, drafting, and advising on execution of all transactions including manufacturing agreements, distribution agreements, logistics and supply agreements.  
• Identifying and mitigating legal risk in proposed commercial arrangements (including risks relating to competition law and other compliance risks, such data protection, EUDR, Forced Labour, REACH), advising on the escalation and resolution of contractual disputes, and about contract termination.
• Providing guidance on application of Group policies, procedures and governance to proposed and operational third party and intra-group arrangements.
• Advising on the presentation of proposed transactional matters for consideration and approval by the BAT Exports leadership team, its board of directors or committee.
• Providing strategic advice and commercial counselling directly to the BAT Exports senior managers to support the operation of key contractual arrangements.
• Instructing and handling external legal counsel in relation to sophisticated, high profile and/or strategically important transactions and other advice, reviewing output, and controlling and approving spend.
• Ensuring good information flows between business contacts, Legal Affairs, and other business partners about business initiatives to optimise commercial opportunities and manage risks.
• Supporting other Legal Counsel within Corporate and Commercial Legal as and when required.
• Act as role model for our BAT Values (Truly inclusive, Stronger together, Do the right thing, Love our consumer, Passion to win and Empowered through trust)

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• English qualified lawyer with at least 8 years post qualification experience gained in a large national or international law firm and/or as in-house counsel for a major multi-national CPG company. Lawyers qualified in similar common law jurisdictions (e.g. Australia) may be considered.

• Experience and expertise in commercial law and practice, with a consistent track record of advising on complex high-value global cross-border transactions and other commercial contractual arrangements.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Excellent legal drafting skills with an ability to identify and advise on compliance risks and cross-border issues.
• Strong negotiation and project management skills, and ability to plan, anticipate and manage priorities to optimise output and enhance the effectiveness of commercial solutions throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Business acumen in order to advise the business on how to deliver results whilst managing legal risk.
• Diligent and accurate in providing guidance to the business functions regarding adherence to Group governance policies and processes, such as Statement of Delegated Authorities (SoDA), Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) policies, third party due diligence (CRA), etc.
• Hands-on and flexible attitude, sound commercial judgement, and ability to work under pressure and to cope with unexpected and varied demands.
• Good awareness of legal issues relating to competition, employment, tax and compliance (e.g. sanctions, anti-bribery) to enable potential issues to be identified at an early stage of a transaction or initiative, and an understanding of legal duty of care issues in the context of product liability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trusted and effective relationships with peers and stakeholders.
• Ability to express legal issues in a straightforward and compelling way to internal and external stakeholders.
• Combine a blend of legal expertise, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving.
• Excel in collaboration, adaptability, continuous learning, enabling effectiveness in building relationships and adding value.

Beneficial

• Experience with real estate transactions, information and consultation procedures.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experiencehere.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.