Company Profile
Location: Waterbeach, UK
Department: Commercial
Reports to: Commercial Director
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Company Profile
Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.
About You
Role Overview
Thermoteknix is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Legal & Compliance Officer to oversee and support the company’s legal, regulatory and compliance activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring robust governance frameworks, managing legal risk and maintaining compliance across global operations.
Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, HR and commercial teams, the role combines hands-on legal work with broader responsibility for compliance programmes, policies and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management
* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including:
o Supply and procurement agreements
o Distribution and reseller agreements
o NDAs and confidentiality agreements
o Licensing and technology transfer agreements
o Service and consultancy agreements
* Oversee contract lifecycle management and maintain accurate contract records
* Support commercial teams in contract negotiations and risk assessment
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
* Lead and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including:
1. Data protection and privacy (e.g., GDPR)
2. Export control and trade compliance
3. Corporate governance and regulatory requirements
* Develop, implement and monitor internal compliance policies and procedures
* Conduct compliance risk assessments and audits
* Deliver training and guidance to staff on compliance matters
Legal Risk Management
* Provide practical, business-focused legal advice across the organisation
* Identify legal and compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies
* Support dispute resolution and manage litigation matters where required
* Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct
HR & Employment Law Support
* Advise HR on employment law matters, including:
o Employment contracts and policies
o Employee relations, disciplinary and grievance processes
* Ensure HR practices align with current legal and regulatory requirements
Intellectual Property Support
* Support the management and protection of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including:
o Patents
o Trademarks
o Trade secrets
* Liaise with external counsel on filings, renewals and IP strategy
External Legal Counsel Management
* Manage relationships with external legal advisors
* Coordinate legal advice and ensure cost-effective use of external counsel
* Act as the primary interface between internal stakeholders and law firms
Corporate Governance
* Support corporate governance activities, including:
o Board and committee documentation
o Corporate filings and statutory compliance
o Maintenance of company records and registers
* Assist in developing and improving governance frameworks
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with engineering, sales, procurement, finance, and HR teams
* Provide clear, practical legal and compliance guidance to non-legal stakeholders
* Support business operations while safeguarding legal and regulatory integrity
Required Experience
* 5+ years experience in:
o Commercial law
o Compliance, risk or regulatory environments
o Technology or manufacturing sector preferred
* Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
* Proven experience in compliance programme development or oversight
* Understanding of legal and compliance frameworks (including GDPR)
* Knowledge of export controls and international trade regulations
* Excellent legal drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills
* Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences
Desirable Experience
* Experience in defence, technology or advanced engineering sectors
* Familiarity with intellectual property law and portfolio management
* Experience working with international distributors and partners
* Exposure to internal audits, compliance training or ESG frameworks
*
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Why us?
* Opportunity to work in an innovative technology environment
* Exposure to a broad range of legal work including commercial, compliance, IP, and employment matters
* Collaborative work with cross-functional teams across the business
* Competitive salary, benefits and opportunities for professional development