Head of Legal

To provide a legal service to the Group primarily in respect of commercial contracts but also acting as a first point of contact on other legal matters. To take the leading role in identifying, analysing and managing business and contractual risk and to draft, critically evaluate and agree robust terms and conditions for commercial contracts and to lead and develop the Legal & Contracts Team.

Client Details

An innovative engineering business based in Berkshire who are looking for a Head of Legal.

Description

Principal Responsibilities for the Head of Legal

• To provide specialist legal advice, guidance and expertise on commercial contractual matters including sales contracts, procurement agreements, collaboration agreements, consulting agreements, master service agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• To provide first line advice and support on legal matters other than commercial contracts and to liaise as necessary on behalf of the Company with specialist external advisors where engaged.
• To direct, develop and motivate the Legal & Contracts team,
• To liaise with external contacts e. insurance specialists and lawyers to clarify issues and obtain advice, guidance and specialist information necessary to understand and influence the contractual agreement process.
• To maintain contractual records and documentation for all non-standard sales contracts including contract correspondence, policy deviations, tracked contractual changes, status reports and signed agreements.
• To operate within the boundaries of the Company policies, procedures and practices for contract management and administration for use throughout the group.
• To work collaboratively with other internal Company and Group Departments.
• As required from time to time, to provide advice and support to senior management in respect of merger and acquisition activity.

Profile

• Strong academic background with Law degree and/or professional legal qualification preferred.
• Demonstrable experience in Commercial Contracts Law either within private practice or in-house.
• Experience of legal matters outside commercial contracts (eg employment, property) an advantage.
• Previous Head of Legal or Senior Legal Counsel experience.
• Prior knowledge and experience of commercial contract requirements in the oil and gas, energy, defence and engineering.
• Proven experience of contract evaluation and negotiation within a commercial environment
• Experience of international commercial law contracts involving cross border transactions.
• Proven ability to clearly understand legal risks and technicalities
• Experience of developing sound risk mitigation strategies and creative solutions to legal and commercial issues within acceptable legal and risk frameworks
• Experience of leading a team of legal and contracts personnel
• Experience of working with commercial staff, project management and senior management advising and influencing contractual negotiations
• Experience of contract dispute resolution

Job Offer

Base salary £85,000-£93,000

Cash Car allowance

Generous Pension

Private Medical

Discretionary bonus

Very flexible working with ad hoc travel into the office.