In-House Legal Counsel/Solicitor/Barrister

Location: Swissport Head Office, Runcorn
Reporting to: Head of Legal UK & Ireland
Length of Contract: 6-month Fixed Term Contract commencing December 2026, with the possibility of extension if required.

Swissport is the world's largest provider of ground and cargo handling services in the aviation industry. The Head of Legal for UK & Ireland is looking for an In House Legal Counsel with 1 to 3 years' post qualification experience to join the legal department for a 6 month period.

Reporting to the Head of Legal UK&I, you will provide practical and commercially focused legal advice to the business, with a particular focus on reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and agreements.

You will work closely with the Head of Legal and stakeholders across the business, providing clear legal advice, managing risk and supporting the business in achieving its objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer looking to develop their in house legal career within a market leading global business.

The following responsibilities are associated with this job role:

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, including Standard Ground Handling Agreements, supplier and vendor agreements, NDAs and other commercial agreements.
• Provide practical and commercially focused advice on contractual terms, obligations, liabilities and risk.
• Advise on contractual disputes and other ad hoc commercial legal queries.
• Review and advise on data protection and privacy agreements, including Data Processing Agreements.
• Support the Head of Legal with corporate governance and other legal matters as required.
• Provide legal advice across areas including compliance, regulatory requirements, anti competition laws, anti bribery and corruption.
• Support the business in identifying, assessing and managing legal and commercial risks.
• Ensure compliance with Group Directives and Delegation of Authority across the business.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders and provide clear, pragmatic legal guidance to non legal colleagues.
• Deliver training and guidance on contractual and compliance matters where required.
• Occasional travel to airports within UK&I, subject to business need.

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 1 to 3 years' post qualification experience. Essential.
•  Demonstrable experience of reviewing, drafting and advising on commercial contracts. Essential.
• Strong understanding of contractual principles, commercial risk and contract negotiation.
• Previous in house legal experience is highly desirable, particularly experience working directly with commercial stakeholders.
• Experience of data protection and privacy matters, including Data Processing Agreements, is highly desirable.
• Experience of corporate governance and commercial transactions is desirable.
• Aviation experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and work effectively in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, professional integrity and sound judgement.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and Microsoft 365.
• Willingness to be present in the Head Office in Runcorn a minimum of 3 days per week.

The list above is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a starting point. Responsibilities may vary depending on location and local customer requirements.

Your next step

This is a fantastic opportunity for an In House Legal Counsel with strong commercial contract experience to develop their career within a leading global business.

If you are 1 to 3 years' PQE with hands on experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, we would love to hear from you. Experience with data protection agreements and privacy matters would be a strong advantage.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to join Swissport, broaden your commercial legal experience and play a key role in supporting the UK&I business.