Opportunity
This fixed-term Legal Counsel, Manufacturing & Supply Chain position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, covering a maternity leave for the European/APAC legal business partner. The role will work closely with the US-based legal colleague and key business stakeholders. No line management responsibilities, but supervision of paralegal/trainee support may be required.
Role Responsibilities
* Communicate with legal colleagues and internal stakeholders across DMS, Compliance, Procurement, Finance and Tax.
* Draft and negotiate commercial contracts, including contract manufacturing agreements, supply‑chain and procurement contracts, CAPEX contracts, warehousing and logistics contracts, distribution of goods contracts, service contracts (MSAs and NDAs).
* Deal with early‑stage disputes.
* Instruct and manage external advisors.
* Assist GC, Assistant GCs and Senior Legal Counsels with timely, commercially focused legal support across the Dechra Group.
* Contribute to internal training and knowledge base; maintain standard contract templates and forms.
* Engage with the team’s CLM system and use AI to support legal processes.
* Maintain personal health & safety.
* Provide guidance to junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals.
Candidate Profile
* Qualified lawyer with on‑the‑job in‑house experience.
* Right to work and to practice law in England & Wales (authorised by the SRA).
* Experience resolving legal issues and providing strategic, well‑reasoned solutions.
* Strong negotiation, communication, drafting and interpersonal skills.
* Commercial law experience, particularly with manufacture of finished goods and underlying component supply contracts.
* Ability to translate complex laws and regulations into practical, business‑oriented advice.
* Collaborative working with stakeholders and business partners.
* Experience working as part of a global team.
* Organisational and time‑management skills to balance multiple projects across time zones.
* Self‑starter, independent but a team player.
* Risk‑anticipation and proactive planning.
* Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
Additional Information
* Occasional global travel may be required.
* Role based in Northwich / hybrid.
What we can offer you
* 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Life Assurance
* Enhanced Family Leave
* Discretionary bonus
* Discounted pet food
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