The Opportunity
This key role has been created to support the growing legal needs of Dechra's corporate (central) functions, including the Digital & Technology Team, Corporate Development team, Finance, Tax and Indirect Procurement teams. The role holder will be the legal business partner for these functions. The role therefore requires an individual with broad experience within an in‑house legal function. The role will not include line management responsibilities but there will be access to paralegal/trainee support and so supervision of colleagues may be required.
Role Responsibility
So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:
* General day to day commercial contracts, particularly relating to the corporate functions noted above, such as:
* digital and technology contracts, including SaaS contracts, software licenses and cyber security contracts;
* tax agreements, particularly intra‑group transfer pricing contracts;
* term sheets, letters of interest and NDAs relating to projects, including M&A, which will often be confidential;
* supplier MSAs, engagement letters and terms of service relevant to general corporate functions such as professional advisory services.
* Assist with M&A as required, including due diligence activities.
* Provide post‑transactional support to commercial teams to help integrate new product or business acquisitions.
* Support with legal aspects of real estate related matters.
* Support regulatory enquiries and investigations.
* Provide termination advice and draft termination agreements.
* Contribute to the Legal team's internal training and knowledge base including upkeep of standard legal template contracts and forms to ensure they are fit for purpose and regularly updated to reflect new legislation and best practice.
* Actively engage with the team's CLM system and utilisation of AI to support legal processes.
* Instructing and managing external counsel for specialist legal advice where necessary.
* Support senior colleagues; supervise junior colleagues; support all colleagues wanting a second‑opinion or peer review of their work.
The Candidate
Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. For this role, we're particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:
* Qualified lawyer with demonstrable in‑house work experience.
* Practicing certificate (or equivalent) in England or other location aligned to Dechra's presence.
* Experience working as part of a global team. Experience in an in‑house legal role.
* Experience resolving a broad range of legal issues and providing strategic, well‑reasoned, constructive solutions.
* Strong commercial law experience, including in digital and technology contracts. Experience of D&T projects and system implementations.
* Ability to effectively communicate legal advice including delivering training.
* Ability to understand complicated laws and regulations and translate them into practical, business‑orientated legal advice.
* Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with key stakeholders and business partners.
* Project management skills and strong personal organisational and time management skills in order to balance working on multiple projects in multiple time zones in parallel.
* Demonstrable challenging and influencing capability.
* Strong negotiation, communication, drafting and interpersonal skills.
* Self‑starter with ability to work independently yet be a team player.
* Ability to anticipate risk and be proactive in planning and communicating accordingly, including determining who should be informed and engaged.
* Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
* Experience working in a life science or pharma business.
* Experience of contracts and/or transactions centred on intellectual property.
* Experienced in the area of data protection, particularly contractual aspects.
* Experience of jurisdictions other than England & Wales.
Additional Information
* Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
* This role is based in Northwich one day per week / hybrid.
What we can offer you
* 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
* Employee Assistance Program
* Life Assurance
* Enhanced Family Leave
* Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
* Bonus (discretionary)
* Discounted Pet Food
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