Graff Search

About the Company

Welcome. We are Graff Search, niche recruitment specialists for the in-house legal, compliance and data privacy market. We have responded to the growth and complexity of the in-house legal & compliance market and a need for recruitment providers to be more focussed, providing a particular service in these markets, including Legal Operations and ESG.

We work with lawyers, legal professionals, compliance, data privacy and ESG professionals at all levels on a retained search, advertised and contingent basis.

We recruit paralegals, legal counsels, Heads of Legal, General Counsels and Compliance professionals as well as DPOs and Data Protection Managers, Legal Operations Specialists and ESG Professionals on a permanent and interim basis.

We would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your business or discuss the market with you.

Please contact us on 0203 026 2236 or contact@graffsearch.co.uk - we look forward to engaging further with you.

Listed Jobs

Company Name

Graff Search

Job Title

Head of Compliance Counsel - FTSE 100

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Compliance Counsel – FTSE 100 Role Summary: Lead the global compliance function for a leading retail consumer organization, serving as the primary legal adviser on all regulatory, risk, and governance matters. Oversee a small UK and European compliance team while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders to embed a culture of integrity and ensure adherence to evolving legal and regulatory requirements. Expactations: - Deliver strategic compliance guidance at both operational and executive levels, influencing policy and decision‐making. - Drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of compliance controls across multiple jurisdictions. - Maintain strong stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted advisor on risk mitigation and ethical conduct. Key Responsibilities: - Provide legal counsel on UK, EU, and international regulatory frameworks affecting retail and consumer operations. - Establish, monitor, and report on compliance metrics, risk assessments, and gap analyses. - Lead and develop a small compliance team, setting clear objectives and fostering collaboration. - Liaise with senior executives and board members to communicate regulatory impact and recommend actionable changes. - Coordinate cross‑functional investigations, audits, and remediation initiatives. - Drive continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and training programs to align with evolving compliance standards. - Manage relationships with external regulatory bodies and legal counsel as required. Required Skills: - In‑depth knowledge of compliance, ethics, governance, risk management, and internal controls within a retail/consumer context. - Strong analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail. - Effective communication and influence skills across all organizational levels, including board and executive tiers. - Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and translate ambiguity into actionable plans. - Experience managing or leading a small compliance team, with capacity to develop talent. - Fluency in English; multilingual or cross‑cultural experience is a plus. Required Education & Certifications: - Legally qualified solicitor or qualified lawyer in the UK, EU, or comparable jurisdiction. - Additional certifications in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional, ICACL) or risk management (e.g., GRC, ISO 37001) are desirable. - Minimum of 8‑10 years’ experience in compliance or regulatory legal roles within a large, multinational organization.

London, United kingdom

Hybrid

12-03-2026