General Counsel

Vivo currently operates a hybrid working environment and are bringing on-line our new Nature HQ just outside of Bristol where we will gather and collaborate in person more regularly in the future. You will preferably be based in the South-West and need to be comfortable and able to be in our Nature HQ (Bristol) and our Community Hub (London) when needed.

THE WHY

We’re conscious mavericks; an open-minded and creative community who challenge the status quo, seek to live naturally, and believe in the powerful connection between their own health and the planet’s. We’re looking for a General Counsel to be the legal backbone of Vivobarefoot, overseeing all legal and company secretarial matters and helping us scale as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

1. Contracts and Partnerships:

• Review and negotiate high-value and multiyear agreements with key software suppliers, agencies, and strategic partners.
• Develop and refine our sales contracts for wholesale and distribution channels.
• Support our retail team in negotiating leases and other key contracts.
• Oversee contracts related to strategic partnerships, collaborations, and consultancy agreements, including handling NDAs.

2. Intellectual Property and Brand Integrity:

• Protect and manage Vivobarefoot’s trademarks and intellectual property portfolio.
• Lead efforts to combat counterfeit products and protect our brand across tech, legal, and brand teams.
• Provide legal guidance on marketing claims, ensuring compliance with greenwashing and vegan-related marketing standards.

3. Data Protection and Privacy Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with data protection laws, including GDPR, across all aspects of the business.
• Advise on data privacy matters related to customer data, marketing activities, and partnerships.
• Implement and maintain data protection policies and practices to safeguard our customers’ and employees’ information.

4. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure we are ahead of the curve on ESG legislation and other emerging regulations.
• Support in resolving customer product complaints, ensuring our customers feel heard and valued.
• Provide legal advice on employment matters and property-related issues, working closely with our HR and property teams.

5. Cross-Functional Legal Support:

• Collaborate with our tech, brand, and operational teams to address complex, cross-functional legal challenges.
• Provide legal oversight for contracts related to repairs and logistics, as well as contracts with service providers
• Offer guidance on legal agreements for innovative collaborations, including those with partners testing new products and materials.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with 7-10 years of post-qualification experience (PQQ).
• Strong background in contract law, intellectual property, compliance, and risk management.
• Experience providing strategic legal counsel in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a passion for sustainability and ethical business practices.
• Comfortable and able to be in our Nature HQ (Barley Wood, Wrington) and our Community Hub (London) when needed.

OUR EPIC BAREFOOT BENEFTIS

• 25-day holiday allowance, 4 additional days each year to volunteer, get outdoors or focus on your wellbeing, and a day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Health care, including mental health, dental and eye care.
• Livebarefoot Pot – up to £1,000 per year to inspire you to live barefoot (embrace hobbies and passions) and or boost your natural health.
• Free seasonal Vivo footwear and discounts for you, your friends & family.
• Pension matched to 5%
• 4 Vivo Gatherings to celebrate the equinox and solstice, connecting and reflecting in nature,
• Travel Allowance to support connection days.
• Generous gender-neutral parental leave
• Life Insurance up to 6 times your salary
• Group income protection insurance
• Long service awards
• Car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Vivobarefoot believes that diversity is the essence of its ecosystem. We encourage diversity of thought and believe that it enables creativity and innovation to flourish. Our mission is to create a fair and equitable workplace where people thrive and are empowered to become their true selves at work. We believe that feedback and fostering collaboration will allow employees to blaze new trails and enjoy every aspect of the Vivobarefoot community.

Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot community should be an opportunity for us to introduce fresh perspectives, talent, and skills into our community. Therefore, our commitment is to recruit regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, mental health illness, marital or parental status, national or social origin, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you!