Group Legal Counsel

Colart International Ltd; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading art materials company in London is seeking a Group Legal Counsel to drive legal strategy and corporate compliance. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with experience in a global multi-national environment. Responsibilities include providing in-house legal services, managing compliance across various portfolios, and serving as Company Secretary. This role offers a competitive salary with bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including hybrid working.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Employee assistance programme

Colart product discounts

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Must have 3+ years experience as a solicitor in a legal environment.
• Experience in a multinational business is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of trademarks and company secretarial duties is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house legal services and advice to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance across Colart’s portfolio and manage corporate policies.
• Lead commercial negotiations and oversee trademark strategies.

Skills

Legal compliance

Corporate law

Commercial negotiation

Regulatory knowledge

Ability to manage external legal advice

Education

Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE

Current practising certificate for England and Wales

Job description

Are you ready to play a key role in driving the legal and strategic success of our company? We are looking for a dynamic and analytical individual to join our team as Group Legal Counsel.

Location: White City, West London
Salary: from £85,000 per annum with a bonus potential of up to 10%
Benefits: Comprehensive package including pension scheme, life insurance, private healthcare, employee assistance programme, 25 days annual leave, Colart product discounts, hybrid working model
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Your Role as Group Legal Counsel

You will contribute to the success of the Colart Group by providing professional in-house legal services, acting as a qualified solicitor and corporate/commercial lawyer. You will also serve as Company Secretary for UK entities, ensuring compliance across all Colart companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Compliance
  • Ensure legal compliance across Colart’s portfolio in collaboration with the Regulatory team
  • Review advertising and marketing materials for legal compliance
  • Train employees on data protection, bribery, corruption and competition law
  • Manage the corporate policy register and incident hotline
• Legal Advice and Litigation
  • Provide in‑house counsel to senior leadership team and key stakeholders
  • Support CFO in developing legal strategy
  • Advise on litigation and pre‑litigation matters
  • Deliver legal training and research cross‑border legal issues
  • Support HR on employment matters
• Business Development
  • Assist with joint ventures, partnerships and M&A
  • Advise on contract status, legal risks and business terms
• Corporate, Commercial and IP
  • Lead commercial negotiations and contract reviews
  • Monitor legislative changes
  • Oversee trademark and IP strategy
  • Coordinate external legal advice and support pension scheme legal aspects
• Company Secretary Duties
  • Serve as Company Secretary for UK holding companies
  • Maintain legal entity register and secure legal documentation
  • Act as signatory and manage Company Secretarial documentation

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE and a current practising certificate for England and Wales
• Experience in or with a global multi‑national business
• Strong understanding of Company Secretarial duties, trademarks and domain portfolio management
• Ability to manage external legal advice in a fast‑paced environment
• Ideal for candidates from larger in‑house legal teams seeking a more autonomous role
• Curiosity and adaptability are key due to the broad scope of the role

About Colart

At Colart our mission is “inspire every artist in the world.” We take pride in our heritage brands and the passionate people who bring them to life. We have nearly 900 employees across 12 countries and our products are sold in over 130 countries.

Colart Group is the parent company of iconic art brands like Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Lefranc Bourgeois, Conté à Paris, Charbonnel, SNAZAROO and Reeves. We develop innovative products that inspire creativity at all levels, from professionals to hobbyists and students.

Proudly B Corp™ certified, we are committed to sustainability with science‑based carbon reduction targets, creating financial, environmental, and social value. Sustainability shapes our culture, reducing environmental impact and enhancing social contributions through community engagement and artist wellbeing.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Many Voices. One Community. We are committed to being a company of choice, creating a workplace where every individual thrives, both professionally and personally.

If you are passionate about legal strategy and governance and have the skills to lead and influence across a broad remit, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and contribute to our continued success.

If you are interested in this role, please click here to apply online.