Role Overview:
A leading hi-tech manufacturing company is seeking a Commercial and Legal Manager to provide strategic guidance and support across all commercial matters up to board level. This role will work cross-functionally with Research & Development, Sales & Marketing, Procurement, and the Senior Management Team to safeguard the companys commercial and legal interests.
Key Responsibilities:
Commercial Contracts & Agreements:
* Evaluate, draft, negotiate, and implement a range of commercial and legal documents, including:
o International and national multi-party agreements
o R&D collaboration and consortium agreements
o Standard terms & conditions, sales contracts, frame agreements
o Representative, distributor, consultancy, confidentiality agreements
o External funding agreements (EU & Innovate UK)
o Complex quotations, tenders, licence agreements, settlements, assignment agreements
o Ancillary commercial documents (performance guarantees, bank guarantees)
o Supply agreements and software licences
* Engage specialist legal advice as needed and manage external legal advisors.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management:
* Oversee patents and trademarks (applications, renewals, maintenance)
* Manage IP assignments, trade secrets, and confidentiality issues
* Handle counterfeiting and infringement cases
* Engage and manage external IP advisors
Commercial Procedures & Policies:
* Contribute to formulation and implementation of commercial procedures and company policies
Finance, Legal & Commercial Support:
* Maintain contracts database
* Play a key role in major transactions (e.g., sale/leaseback, sale of businesses, due diligence)
* Support litigation and dispute resolution processes
* Manage product liability claims
Candidate Profile Essential:
* Minimum of 3 years experience in a similar commercial/legal role within hi-tech production or manufacturing
* Strong experience in contract management and negotiation
* Excellent analytical skills with attention to contractual detail
* Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor)
* Degree-level business or legal qualification
Key Skills & Competencies:
* Ability to analyse and assess contractual risks
* Skilled in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial documents
* Ability to execute agreements and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
* Strong business judgement and trusted advisor capability across all levels
* Experience managing external advisors and confidential information
Desirable:
* Experience in hi-tech manufacturing or production environments
MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND SITE IN LINCOLN, UK AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK
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