Commercial Legal Counsel

Ready to Make Your Mark in Commercial Law?

SBFM Limited is one of the UK's leading Facilities Management Services providers, operating across the length and breadth of the country with a team of over 8,000 people. We are growing fast, and we are looking for a talented Legal Counsel to join our team and help shape the future of our in-house legal function.

This is a rare opportunity to be genuinely impactful — not just another role, but a chance to build, develop, and own the legal function at the heart of a thriving business.

The Role

Reporting directly to our Chief Legal & Risk Officer, you will be at the centre of our commercial operations, providing expert legal guidance and acting as a trusted strategic partner to the business. You will play a key part in our continued growth — drafting and negotiating high-value contracts, managing risk, and working hand-in-hand with colleagues across every part of the organisation.

This is a stand-alone role, so we are looking for someone who is confident, resourceful, and ready to take ownership from day one.

Where You Will Work

We can offer a flexible working arrangement, hybrid or remote, giving you the best of both worlds. You will also have access to our vibrant, newly refurbished Leeds office (LS15). We are open to discussing part-time arrangements for the right candidate.

What You Will Do

Commercial Contract Management — draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts to support and protect the business;

Cross-Departmental Collaboration — work closely with Finance, HR, Sales, and Operations to achieve the best commercial and legal risk outcomes;

Procurement Support — provide expert guidance on supplier contract negotiations, terms, and conditions;

Project Participation — contribute legal expertise to strategic business initiatives and projects as they arise;

Contract Administration — act as the key business resource for contract research, advice, management, and dispute resolution;

Professional Development — share knowledge and provide guidance and training to colleagues on contract and legal matters; and

External Stakeholder Management — coordinate with external legal advisors and other third parties as required.

Employment Matters - some experience in employment law, whether gained in private practice or in-house, is desirable.

What We Are Looking For

Demonstrable experience in a similar in-house or private practice commercial legal role;

A proven track record in contract negotiation, drafting, and strategic legal advisory work;

Experience in, or a strong interest in, facilities management, contract services, or a comparable fast-paced operational environment;

A proactive, self-motivated approach with an excellent eye for detail — methodical, organised, and able to work autonomously;

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident and approachable manner and a genuine "can do" attitude;

Strong client focus and a passion for delivering results at pace;

A commitment to professional development and expanding expertise across diverse business areas.

In Return You Will Receive 

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Newly refurbished modern office environment with free parking

Pension Scheme

Access to training and development

Access to internal mentoring scheme for career development

Regular Company social events

Our Values

Everything we do at SBFM is guided by four core values. We are proud of who we are, and we want our next Legal Counsel to be proud of it too.

Be a Good Person — We give people opportunities and embrace their inherent goodness. We are open-minded and uphold integrity. We are respectful, considerate, kind, and appreciative.

Play as a Team — Community and communication are everything. We remain inclusive within our company and with our clients. Together, we grow, retain, execute, and make an impact. We are one team.

Think Differently — We encourage a growth mindset — everything can be improved through effort. We love innovation and ideas. We are disruptors, and we push boundaries for sustainable growth.

Make an Impact — It is all about the ultimate goal. We exceed expectations and deliver results at pace. We challenge the norm and step out of our comfort zone, because at our core, we are passionate and love to win.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are looking for a role where your legal skills will genuinely move the dial — where you will be heard, valued, and empowered to make a real difference — we want to hear from you.

Apply today and accelerate your legal career with SBFM