Junior Legal Counsel - Portugal

The role is expected to support the Iberia Head of Legal with the provision of daily advice on all legal matters in the Portuguese market.

The Junior Legal Counsel Portugal is expected to: provide timely and accurate commercial and legal support to the business; address commercial issues to minimize risks; approve and secure the accurate implementation of marketing and commercial programs within regulatory local frameworks and internal standards and principles; dialogue with the relevant authorities and public administration to ensure product compliance and market readiness; review and draft commercial and corporate documents and contracts; ensure principles of compliance; see opportunities for improved processes and assist on initiatives and decision-making processes to help the Iberia Cluster achieve its strategic and company plan objectives. This support will involve close collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders, ensuring legal compliance in business operations and addressing queries related to the regulatory framework of the tobacco industry

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

The role will provide support on a variety of legal matters in a market where we are at the forefront when it comes to delivering the BAT strategy of building A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of our business. The legal team’s work ranges all the way from commercial contracts, marketing and activation strategies and execution across multiple touchpoints (including e-commerce, digital marketing, and retail) to strategic litigation, regulatory counselling, product development and manufacturing compliance.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide legal advice across the Portugal End Market to ensure compliance with all applicable regulation and BAT policies and procedures, ensuring that decisions are taken in accordance with the Group's policies and guidelines, and that all appropriate Legal and reputational considerations and options are factored in.
• Support the effective deployment of Global, Regional and Area Legal strategies in the Portugal End Market including maintaining contacts with law firms and other 3rd party suppliers.
• Contribute to the realisation of the company’s vision and strategies.
• Recognize opportunities to improve efficiencies and ways of working, and propose innovative solutions to address the same.
• Support the effective management of all compliance risks (competition law, anti-bribery, GDPR etc.) and embed the Group’s compliance strategy including policies and procedures, processes, risk assessment, monitoring, training, and communication in the Portugal End Market..
• Protect the commercial interests and corporate reputation of the business to ensure sustainability.
• Through day-to-day business support, contribute to the effective management of commercial and strategic litigation in collaboration with the central litigation team and eliminate or minimise potentially significant financial and reputational consequences.  
• Provide strategic counselling to the business regarding marketing activities and general corporate and commercial matters such as commercial agreements, trading and distribution agreements, services agreements etc.
• Provide strategic counselling to the business on general product compliance and other regulatory matters.
• Build multi-functional relationships, creating an environment where information and resources are shared in pursuit of our business objectives.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified lawyer – licensed to practice law in Portugal.
• Experience in counselling clients or businesses on a wide range of general commercial issues, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Portuguese qualified lawyer with 2/3+ years’ post-qualified experience either in-house or in private practice, with a proven track record of advising on legal and regulatory matters.
• Experience working with legal regulatory frameworks is strongly preferred e.g., within Tobacco, Food, Pharma or FMCG.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, and ability to plan, anticipate and manage priorities to optimise output and enhance the effectiveness of commercial solutions.
• Ability to influence and foster consensus from people at senior management levels and across peers and juniors.
• Highly articulate confident individual with excellent written communication, presentational and drafting skills.
• Proficient in Portuguese and English. Additional languages (particularly Spanish) are a plus;
• Hands-on, adaptable and pro-active attitude, sound commercial judgement and ability to work under pressure and to cope with unexpected and varied demands.
• Ability to think strategically and learning quickly
• Collaborative and focused on creative innovations in the provision of legal services.
• Attention to details.

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.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of 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, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an 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 experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.