Our client is a global leader in precision engineering, manufacturing, and technology innovation. With a strong heritage in advanced manufacturing and metrology, they deliver cutting-edge solutions across industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Legal Director within the Legal & Secretarial team to lead the Group Legal function. This key role, reporting to the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, will provide strategic oversight for legal matters across the Group, with a particular focus on legal risk management as well as leading on commercial and corporate transactions.
The ideal candidate will bring substantial leadership experience, with in-depth expertise in commercial contracts and corporate advisory, ideally gained in-house within the engineering and / or manufacturing sectors. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, help shape strategy of the Legal & Secretarial function whilst supporting the constantly evolving global operations of the business.
**We see this as a step up role for someone at Senior Legal Counsel level looking to further progress their career.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage an experienced in-house team, ensuring timely, commercially focussed legal support across all business units.
* Provide expert legal advice on complex commercial arrangements and transactions, supplier and customer agreements and licensing.
* Support the business in navigating legal risks associated with innovation and product development, and delivery in a global context.
* Advise and lead on corporate matters including corporate restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and strategic partnerships and alliances.
* Support the Senior Leadership Team as appropriate with strategic input on the legal implications of business decisions.
* Support the Group General Counsel & Company Secretary in shaping the strategy of the Legal & Secretarial team.
* Manage relationships with external counsel, ensure cost-effective legal support and develop Group Legal operations.
* Manage the strategic direction of any significant disputes and litigation.
Requirements
* UK Qualified solicitor with substantial experience of leading a team of in-house lawyers and legal professionals. (probable pqe level 7-12)
* Deep expertise in commercial law, including contract negotiation, risk management, and corporate M&A.
* Background in an engineering and / or manufacturing sector
* Experience of working within a listed company environment is desirable.
Skills & Attributes
* Strong influencer with the ability to guide and challenge senior leadership constructively.
* Resilient and adaptable, able to manage ambiguity and lead through change.
* Strategic thinker with sound judgment and commercial acumen.
* Collaborative leader who can build trust and alignment across teams and functions.
* Clear communicator with the ability to simplify complex legal issues for non-legal stakeholders.
4 Days on site presence in the Gloucestershire offices (based near Stroud)