M&A Legal Counsel - Temporary

ABOUT UNILEVER

Established over 100 years ago, we are one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. We are known for our great brands and our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.  Our products are sold in over 190 countries, and, on any given day, 3.4 billion consumers worldwide use them. We own some of the best known and best loved brands, including Dove, Persil, Axe, Cif, Comfort, Dermalogica, Hellmann’s, Knorr TRESemmé and Vaseline.

In order to unlock our full potential and accelerate business performance, Unilever has set out a Growth Action Plan. It outlines the steps we are taking to deliver faster growth, drive productivity and simplicity, and dial up our performance culture.  Unmissable brand superiority is front and centre of our Growth Action Plan, as is the drive to accelerate science and technology.

We are at the forefront of innovation and digitalisation with GenAI tools, data and Powerhouses shaping the future of how we work. The Legal Powerhouses are part of the legal function and provide defined, structured services to our other lawyers and to the broader business. Unilever's legal team has recently been awarded Most Innovative In-House Legal Team in Europe and In-House Legal Team using GenerativeAI. 

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you enjoy dynamic and agile environments and providing creative solutions for the business, then this role is just for you!   

A 9-month fixed term role supporting the M&A legal team to implement the publicly announced demerger of Unilever’s Ice Cream business. Reporting to General Counsel Corporate and Deputy Group Secretary.

The role requires a qualified lawyer who will work closely with the London-based M&A legal team and dedicated teams in Barcelona and Bangalore on critical legal aspects of the operational separation, demerger and listing of the Ice Cream business.

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, public transaction that will be transformational for both Unilever and the planned standalone Ice Cream business.

Where this position fits-into the team:

• A 9-month fixed term role supporting the M&A legal team to implement the publicly announced demerger of Unilever’s Ice Cream business. Reporting to General Counsel Corporate and Deputy Group Secretary.

• Part of the Unilever Legal Powerhouse – a team we’re currently building, which consists of around 25 colleagues in Barcelona.

• Integral part of the Unilever’s Legal Function - a global operation consisting of approximately 500 lawyers and specialists.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• The role will involve supporting the operational separation of the Ice Cream business internationally, including liaising with local legal teams across multiple jurisdictions worldwide, as well as assisting with legal aspects of the corporate demerger and independent listing of the Ice Cream business.

• The successful candidate can expect to be closely involved in the oversight and co-ordination of operational separation workstreams, including reviewing legal documentation required to implement that separation.

• The role also provides an opportunity to support corporate aspects of the demerger; working with senior members of the M&A legal team, other Unilever functions and external advisers to deliver the demerger of the Ice Cream business.

• The role encompasses key project management and reporting responsibilities, including ensuring that progress and emerging risks are clearly communicated to relevant senior stakeholders.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

Essential

• Experience of managing large M&A transactions, including coordinating multiple workstreams and stakeholders

• Proficiency in summarising complex legal challenges and communicating those clearly to non-legal functions

• Strong technical legal skills, focused on drafting and reviewing corporate documents typically associated with an M&A process

• Ability to integrate quickly with an established team and enthusiasm to get up to speed with a complex and fast-moving project

• Strong communication skills in English language

Preferable

• Experience of managing multi-jurisdictional transactions, including instructing external legal counsel and working with them to co-ordinate inputs and identify problems

• Knowledge of the key elements of equity capital markets transactions or listing processes and associated documentation

• High-level commercial understanding of the fast moving consumer goods industry or previous legal experience in that industry

Leadership

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.

  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.

  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.

  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.

  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

• Hybrid Work

• 4 weeks of Flex Work per year: Opportunity to work remotely for the entire week without coming into the office.

• Flexible hours: Work hours with a wide range of starting and ending times to accommodate your needs.

• Restaurant Card and canteen service in our offices.

• Parking: Possibility of parking at the offices at a reduced cost and with free electric chargers.

• Online language courses.

• Wellbeing Programs: Resources and activities to promote physical, mental, emotional, and purposeful wellbeing.

• Online store with exclusive discounts on UL products and other recognized brands.

• Hairdressing service: Hairdressing available within the office at special rates for employees.

• And many more!

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.