We are seeking to appoint a Group Legal Counsel to join a well-established engineering group of companies based out of HQ in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this position offers a unique opportunity to provide expert legal guidance across a diverse range of matters, supporting the organisation’s strategic objectives while safeguarding its legal and commercial interests.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
*Deliver accurate and commercially focused legal advice to colleagues at all levels, including Executive Leadership, on areas such as commercial contracts, framework agreements, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
*Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and legal documents, ensuring the organisation’s exposure to risk is minimised while maximising commercial opportunities.
*Support bids, tenders, and framework agreements, ensuring compliance with the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and Procurement Act 2023 (when enacted).
*Provide legal analysis on complex issues, advising on strategic projects, partnerships, and agreements from a legal perspective.
*Develop and maintain internal governance policies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while contributing to the enhancement of business operations.
*Offer practical guidance on corporate governance matters, including contributing to board meetings and drafting reports for key stakeholders.
*Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel to manage legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
*Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations, proactively assessing their impact on business operations and ensuring compliance.
*Act as a trusted advisor, identifying opportunities to add value and provide pragmatic solutions to ad hoc legal queries.
This role will suit a qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial experience in commercial or corporate law and a pragmatic approach to delivering legal solutions in a dynamic business environment.
Skills & Experience Required:
*Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
*Proven experience in commercial and/or corporate law, ideally at Senior Associate level or equivalent, within a top-tier law firm or in-house environment.
*Strong knowledge of UK laws and regulations, particularly contracts, corporate governance, and compliance. EU and international law experience would be advantageous but not essential.
*Experience advising on public sector tendering and frameworks, including UK utilities market agreements, would be beneficial.
*Demonstrated ability to align legal expertise with business acumen, providing practical, solution-oriented advice.
*Excellent negotiation and communication skills, capable of presenting complex legal information in an accessible manner.
*Proactive approach to legal risk assessment, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
*Proven ability to manage external counsel and oversee litigation effectively.
*High attention to detail, with a strategic mindset and the ability to anticipate potential scenarios.
*Strong time management skills, able to handle tight deadlines and prioritise competing demands effectively.
Summary:
Position: Group Legal Counsel
Location: Eastleigh
Duration: Permanent
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 Base
Benefits: + Car + Quarterly & Annual Bonus + Other benefits
Apply: Now!!
If you are a qualified legal professional with a strong commercial mindset and a desire to make a strategic impact, we would love to hear from you.