Head of Legal, France

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**BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.**

**To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey**

**ROLE PROFILE**

**FUNCTION: Legal Affairs**

**SUB FUNCTION: Legal Affairs - Legal Counselling**

**CITY & COUNTRY: France, Paris**

**ROLE SUMMARY**

**What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?**

The role of Head of Legal, France is expected to provide strategic leadership and robust advice on all legal matters and contribute as a member of the country leadership team to the strategic development and implementation of balanced and integrated business strategies and plans, aligned to BAT’s objectives and therefore to those of its shareholders.

The role is an integral part of the France Leadership Team and will report directly to the Area Head of Legal and dotted line to the Country Manager, France

The Head of Legal, France is expected to proactively provide the business with quality commercial and legal advice, guidance, leadership and support; consistently run and ensure that commercial issues are addressed and legal risks are minimised; ensuring legislative and internal standards and principles compliance; provide legislative guidance and support to the company’s regulatory efforts; identify and develop strategic issues and initiatives, and actively participate in problem-solving and decision-making in all areas of the business, enabling the company to achieve its strategic and company plan objectives in France.

**What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?**

The role will require strategic counselling on a variety of legal matters in a market where we are at the forefront when it comes to delivering the BAT strategy of building A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of our business. The legal team’s work ranges all the way from commercial contracts, marketing and activation strategies and execution across multiple touchpoints (including e-commerce, digital marketing, and retail) to strategic litigation, regulatory counselling, product development and manufacturing compliance.

**Reports to**

Area Head of Legal and dotted line to the Country Manager, France

**Number of Direct Reports
**3

**Core Relationships**

**Internal **-** **France Leadership Team, Area Legal Leadership Team, Legal and CORA teams in Country/Area/Region/Centre and the FR Marketing (Brand and Trade), Supply Chain, Operations Finance and HR Teams.

**External **- External Legal Counsel and relevant authorities and regulators.

**Geographic Scope
**France

**Travel Required**

Yes - As Required

**ACCOUNTABILITIES**
- Responsible and accountable for all Legal and Compliance matters in France - providing leadership on and delivery related to legal, compliance, governance, employment, litigious (including commercial contract, regulatory litigation and tax disputes), corporate, commercial / contracts, intellectual property, competition law and marketing legal matters and overseeing and managing the delivery of the County Legal team, external legal counsel and external service providers which may be engaged in relation to the same.
- FRLT member and business partner required to build and oversee deployment of the global Legal and Business Integrity & Compliance strategies to deliver the commercial and growth objectives of the End Market (France) and appropriate talent development, whilst ensuring delivery with integrity.
- Provides and oversees all legal advice across the End Market (France) to ensure compliance with all applicable regulation and BAT policies and procedures, ensuring that decisions are taken in accordance with the Group's policies and guidelines, and that all appropriate Legal and reputational considerations and options are factored in.
- Ensures effective deployment of Global, Regional and Area Legal strategies in the End Market (France) including effective management of law firms and other 3rd party suppliers.
- Contribute to the development and realisation of the company’s vision and strategies.
- Develop and implement Legal business plans and budgets while supporting the delivery of the business’ commercial objectives.
- Take ownership of identifying and deploying legal technology and innovative solutions to improve efficiencies and ways of working.
- Manage all compliance risks (competition law, anti-bribery, GDPR etc.) and embed the Group’s compliance strategy including policies and procedures, processes, risk assessment, monitoring, training, and communication in the End Market (France).
- Monitor and advise the business on regulatory landscape to create opportunities for the business to grow.
- Protect the commercial interests and corporate reputation of the business to ensure sustainability.
- Manage commercial and strategic litigation in collaboration with the central litigation team and eliminate or minimise potenti