General Counsel – AI Research & Development Lab
Are you passionate about driving innovative solutions to address the world's most important problems? AIOI R&D Lab, which develops AI products to solve societal challenges, is hiring a General Counsel to provide strategic and operational legal support across the company. As a member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers, you will ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the UK, EU, and Japan, focusing on corporate governance, data protection, AI ethics, digital regulation, and insurance legislation.
Responsibilities
* Act as a member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers (subject to board approval).
* Provide legal advice and guidance to management on all company activities, including R&D, partnerships, procurement, and corporate governance.
* Oversee compliance frameworks: data protection (GDPR, APPI, etc.), AI governance, and digital regulatory requirements.
* Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments in the UK, EU, and Japan that impact company operations.
* Draft, review, and negotiate contracts such as research collaboration agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and partnership MoUs.
* Lead risk‑management initiatives related to AI ethics, data use, and digital technologies.
* Develop and maintain internal policies for legal compliance, privacy management, and ethical AI development.
* Serve as the main contact for legal coordination with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Ltd. and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd., ensuring group‑level consistency.
* Support board governance matters for Aioi R&D Lab Ltd.
* Manage and supervise external counsel, ensuring efficient and cost‑effective use of legal resources.
Qualifications
* Qualified lawyer in the UK, Japan, or an EU jurisdiction.
* Minimum 7–10 years of post‑qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
* Deep understanding of corporate law, data protection (GDPR, APPI, etc.), AI risk management, digital/technology regulations, and insurance‑related legal frameworks.
* Proven experience advising on cross‑border legal matters and working within international corporate groups.
* Excellent communication and drafting skills in both English and Japanese; native level in at least one language.
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
Desirable
* Experience working in or with R&D or technology‑driven organizations.
* Familiarity with UK or EU insurance supervisory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, EIOPA).
* Prior in‑house counsel experience in a multinational company or financial institution.
* Experience developing and implementing compliance programs, particularly for AI governance or data ethics.
* Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with regulators, external counsel, and internal stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
Salary
£107,000 – £150,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
* 30 days annual leave (with option to buy/sell up to 5 days).
* Permanent health insurance, private medical & wellness checks.
* 4× annual salary life assurance.
* Comprehensive benefits package: health‑related expense reimbursement, virtual GP service, flu jab vouchers, driving lessons support, pension advisory, family‑friendly policies (baby bonus).
* Employee well‑being initiatives: Employee Assistance Programme, seasonal ticket loan, cycle scheme, financial flexibility through Wagestream.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments can be made to support applicants during the recruitment process.
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