Client Details
A UK-based technology group that designs, manufactures, and supports advanced underwater and subsea technologies for global defence and commercial maritime customers.
Description
* Provide specialist legal advice and support on commercial contracts within the defence sector, including sales, IP licensing, procurement, collaboration, consulting, master services, indemnity, and non‑disclosure agreements.
* Review and assess customer contractual terms and conditions, identifying deviations from Company standards and policies, and highlighting actual and potential risks relating to liability, intellectual property, warranties, and security.
* Advise on non‑contractual legal matters where required and manage interactions with external legal advisers and specialists.
* Support commercial teams and senior management during contract negotiations by providing clear recommendations, options, and proposed amendments; liaising directly with customers where appropriate to achieve acceptable agreements.
* Contribute to the development of commercial and contractual awareness across the Group through guidance, updates, and structured training initiatives.
* Research and advise on country‑specific legal and regulatory requirements impacting contractual obligations and Company compliance.
* Liaise with insurers, lawyers, and other external advisers to clarify contractual issues and obtain specialist input to support negotiations.
* Maintain accurate and auditable records for all non‑standard contracts, including correspondence, policy deviations, amendments, and executed agreements.
* Ensure contract management activities align with Company policies, procedures, and best practice across the Group.
* Work closely with internal functions including Governance & Risk, Finance, Sales, HSE, and HR to ensure contractual compliance relating to insurance, export controls, health and safety, tax, and employment matters.
* Maintain strong working knowledge of FARs, DFARS, DPAS, DEFCONs, DEFFORMS, and other procurement regulations across multiple jurisdictions, and advise accordingly.
Profile
* Law degree with strong commercial legal foundations.
* Proven experience in a Commercial / Contracts Manager or similar role, with hands‑on expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of commercial contracts in‑house or private practice.
* Background in defence and related sectors (oil & gas, offshore renewables, engineering, oceanographic), with experience of complex, high‑risk commercial agreements.
* Demonstrable experience in international and cross‑border contracting, including ownership of bespoke drafting across multiple OpCos and jurisdictions.
* Advanced contract drafting capability, including collaboration, R&D, reseller, and agency agreements, with strong commercial risk analysis.
* Solid understanding of intellectual property, third‑party software risks, and IP protection strategies.
* Strong commercial judgement, able to develop pragmatic risk‑mitigation solutions within legal and regulatory frameworks.
* Comfortable working independently under pressure, managing volume, detail, and tight deadlines.
* Experience advising and influencing commercial teams and senior stakeholders in contract negotiations.
* Ability to lead reseller/agent frameworks, due diligence, and competition law advice across a group environment.
Job Offer
* Discretionary performance‑related bonus (PRP) based on company and individual performance
* 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days
* Flexible working arrangements scheme to support work‑life balance
* Christmas shutdown, with additional paid time off over the festive period
* Generous pension scheme (Aviva), with company contributions increasing with age
* Group life assurance (6x basic salary death‑in‑service benefit)
* Group income protection scheme following company sick pay period
* Westfield Health Cash Plan providing cashback on healthcare and wellbeing services
* Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support for personal, legal, financial, and wellbeing matters)
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme and EV charging points at HQ (eligibility criteria apply)
* Training and development opportunities across the business
* Active wellbeing initiatives and programmes
* Costco membership available to employees
* Payroll giving scheme for charitable donations
* Regular social activities organised by a social committee
* Sonardyne Champions recognition scheme (£250 award)
* Long service awards recognising 10, 20, 30, and 40 years' service
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