Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel — Commercial, Contracts and IP

North West, UK | Hybrid | 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

The Company

Our client is a globally recognised, listed business with a workforce of approximately 20,000 people and operations spanning multiple continents. This is a business of genuine scale and international reach, built on a deep commitment to scientific innovation and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

The in-house legal function is well-established and well-resourced, operating across a complex global business with high standards and a collaborative culture. This is legal work that carries real purpose — advancing medicines, protecting food and water safety, and supporting the development of technologies that make a meaningful difference.

The Opportunity

This is a fixed term contract position for an initial period of six months, offering an experienced commercial lawyer the opportunity to join a globally respected in-house legal team in the North West on a hybrid basis.

The role sits within a busy and technically sophisticated legal function, covering a broad commercial portfolio including contracts, intellectual property and related matters. It is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully from day one within a business that operates to the highest professional standards.

The Role

Working closely with the wider in-house legal team and key business stakeholders, your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts including customer agreements, supplier contracts, framework agreements and service arrangements.
• Advising on intellectual property matters including IP protection, licensing arrangements and brand-related queries.
• Providing commercially focused, practical legal advice to business teams across the organisation.
• Managing ad hoc legal queries and supporting a varied commercial workload across multiple business units.
• Working collaboratively with global legal colleagues on cross-border commercial and IP matters.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of legal processes, templates and precedents within the function.
• Liaising with external counsel where specialist support is required The Candidate

To be considered for this role you will need:

• To be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales with solid post-qualification experience in commercial law.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills across a broad range of commercial contract types.
• Experience advising on intellectual property matters, whether from private practice or a previous in-house role.
• The ability to work independently, manage a varied workload and deliver practical advice at pace.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to advise business teams at all levels.
• Previous in-house experience or a demonstrable understanding of the in-house environment would be an advantag.
• Life sciences, technology or similarly regulated sector experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Immediately available or on a short notice period — this role has a prompt start datte

Key Attractions

• The opportunity to work within a globally respected, NYSE-listed life sciences business with a genuinely important purpose
• A well-established and collaborative in-house legal team with high professional standards and strong leadership
• Varied, high quality commercial and IP work across a technically sophisticated and internationally operating business
• Hybrid working from a North West base with genuine flexibility
• Competitive salary in the region of £100,000 pro-rated for the duration of the contract
• A six month engagement that offers genuine breadth and the opportunity to make an immediate impact

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