Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Nine Elms, London - Full-time (5 days a week on-site)

We are seeking a commercially astute and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to join our fast-paced on-demand retail business in London. This pivotal role will serve as the legal partner to the Founder and Executive Leadership Team, driving and safeguarding key business priorities as we scale. You will be responsible for delivering pragmatic legal advice across a range of high-impact areas, enabling the business to move quickly while managing legal and regulatory risk. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the legal function of a high-growth consumer business as a true business partner.

About Zapp:

Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Legal Partnering

• Advise the Founder and executive team on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including commercial, real estate, licensing/regulatory, IP, privacy, employment, corporate governance, and M&A.

• Be responsible for and lead on execution of all ongoing business legal matters

• Proactively identify legal risks and opportunities, proposing creative, risk-balanced solutions aligned with business priorities.

• Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for cross-functional teams.

• Over time, build and manage a lean, high-performing legal team.

Commercial & Corporate Advisory

• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements (supplier, brand, technology, logistics, partnerships, sponsorships, etc.).

• Support on corporate structuring, shareholder matters, board governance, fundraising, and investor relations.

Cross-Functional Enablement

• Work closely with teams across Product, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to embed legal considerations early in strategic initiatives and on all legal risk and compliance matters.

• Ensure compliance with UK regulatory regimes (e.g., e-commerce, consumer protection, advertising, food safety, and data protection), including applicable data protection laws such as GDPR.

Operational Excellence

• Build and improve scalable legal processes, contract templates, and self-service tools for the wider business.

• Help design and implement internal policies, employee training, and internal compliance frameworks.

Board, Investor & External Engagement

• Prepare legal materials for board meetings, investor updates, and key stakeholder reviews.

• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

• Lead and be responsible for external company secretary providers.

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor (UK) with 7+ years PQE, ideally trained at a top-tier law firm with in-house experience in a fast-growing, venture-backed business.

• Experience in a fast-paced in-house environment—ideally a start-up or scale-up in the tech, consumer, or retail sectors.

• Demonstrated ability to autonomously and pro-actively handle a broad range of legal topics and thrive in a high-velocity, ambiguous environment.

• Strong commercial instincts with excellent judgement and ability to balance legal risk with business ambition.

• Outstanding interpersonal, communication skills and executive presence – able to influence, build trust and collaborate at all levels.

• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, resourceful, and resilient, with a bias for action and a sense of ownership.

• Experience in consumer tech, retail, e-commerce, logistics, or regulated sectors is highly advantageous.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary & equity package.

• Enjoy 25 days of holiday per year (plus all bank holidays).

• Private Health Insurance.

• Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.

• Cycle to work scheme.