In-House Corporate Counsel- UK & Ireland
- Recruiter
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Location
- Glasgow
- Salary
- £Excellent + Bonus + Benefits + Pension
- Posted
- 20 Apr 2017
- Closes
- 18 May 2017
- Ref
- TLTF01
- Job Title
- In House Counsel
- Practice Area
- Commercial Contracts, Information Technology, Intellectual Property
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
Company Information:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $17 billion, we have more than 50,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings.
Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike.
Role Location:
This role will be based in Glasgow, Scotland and will involve a moderate amount of travel.
Position Objective:
Negotiate and draft contracts and facilitate the resolution of various issues to allow Thermo Fisher Scientific to (a) exploit opportunities based on technology owned by Thermo Fisher Scientific or third parties; (b) purchase raw materials and services; (c) sell products and services; and (d) undertake such other general business activities as is deemed appropriate. Work with the Regional Senior Corporate Counsel and others in the Legal Department to provide guidance to the business in a range of substantive legal areas, including government contracts, commercial law, public tenders and intellectual property. Work with EMEA Legal Function to maintain a risk-based compliance programme with consistent and effective EMEA policies and procedures that balance TMO’s overall corporate philosophy with local country (i.e. within the Region) specific laws, rules and culture.
Essential Functions:
Negotiate, draft and if appropriate seek approval for the execution of distribution, OEM, supply and services contracts, and other agreements relating to the region and, other parts of the business, as needed. Seek appropriate guidance and involvement of other relevant functions, such as purchasing, accounting, sales, and marketing, and facilitate the approval of the appropriate management.
Draft various other agreements for all parts of the organization in support of their objectives. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes: technical collaboration agreements with potential customers, often with follow on supply arrangements; joint development agreements with scientists or corporations outside Thermo Fisher Scientific; co-marketing agreements; term sheets; Master Services Agreements etc.
Participate in other pan EMEA Legal Functional initiatives such as cross region training, use of technology, drafting of precedents etc.
Consult with other parts of the organization on the interpretation of the agreements in effect or in development. Participate in the resolution of a wide range of business, contractual, financial and operational issues. Educate and train employees on their obligations under the terms of various contracts and under applicable legal requirements. Work closely with Global HQ Legal Department including divisional GCs and other lead lawyers (e.g. litigation, IP, M&A, company secretarial, regulatory, employment) on regional, pan-European, EMEA or global issues.
Nature and Scope:
This position interacts with all levels of internal personnel within Thermo Fisher Scientific and its group of companies in the region and external business partners requiring the ability to engage in good stakeholder management and gain the trust of all parties. Closely aligns with the leadership of EMEA region to accomplish their business goals and strategic objectives. Effectiveness in this role requires a full understanding of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s operations and product lines as well as a thorough working knowledge of contract law. T
he incumbent determines own practices and procedures and leads and/or contributes to the development of new projects. Performs duties independently with minimal instruction given on new projects or assignments. Job encounters problems of highly diverse scope and moderate to high complexity. Multiple tasks must often be performed contemporaneously, involving commitments of moderate levels of funds or other resources, and requiring understanding of issues surrounding contracts, technology and corporate structure. A willingness and competence to pay attention to the detail and minutiae of contracts is essential. The ability to recognize when to seek counsel of the Regional Senior Corporate Counsel, the VP Legal EMEA, other Group VP Legal or other company personnel, or external consultants is essential.
Education:
Law degree required, 2:1 or above. Experience in contracts and negotiation/ drafting and high level general intellectual property law required. Good experience in a mid tier law firm or in house legal function required.
Experience:
At least three years of relevant experience including contract preparation and negotiation and related activities resulting in a thorough working knowledge of contract, licensing and intellectual property laws. Commercial experience and working knowledge of standard business processes preferred. Excellent writing and negotiation skills required.
On offer is a highly competitive salary and benefits package.