Senior Legal Counsel - US

The Senior Legal Counsel (U.S.) leads all legal matters relating to the company's U.S. business and defence-related operations. Responsibilities include drafting, negotiating and managing contracts, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense.Ideally this position will be over 3-4 days a week with the requirement to be flexible as and when needed.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Commercial Contracts:

- Draft, negotiate and finalise contract terms for U.S. direct and indirect sales.

- Develop and implement U.S. sales contract templates.

- Ensure contract processes and documentation are compliant with all applicable regulations.

- Ensure compliance obligations are drafted appropriately.

- Advise on flow-down requirements and monitor contract performance.

- Maintain compliant documentation per U.S. DoD standards.

- Ensure adherence to federal acquisition regulations and DoD policies.

- Stay informed of regulatory changes and update internal processes.

- Draft and negotiate supplier terms ensuring compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFAR.

Advisory & Support:

- Support inter-company agreements and FOCI mitigation measures.

- Develop policies for managing CUI and DoD clearances.

- Lead governance implementation within U.S. operations.

- Support development of policies, procedures and standard agreements.

- Work with Product on FCC certifications and licensing.

- Promote best practice in legal, compliance and risk management.

- Train staff on EAR, ITAR and export/import requirements.

- Advise departments on U.S. legal matters including disputes.

- Monitor legislative changes and advise on risks.

- Draft and negotiate NDAs.

- Deliver legal training and updates across the business.

- Support IP-related transactional matters.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Law (Master's preferred).

- Significant experience as a senior in-house legal counsel within a multinational defence sector.

- Proven expertise in defence contracts and contract lifecycle management.

- Strong knowledge of federal acquisition regulations, DoD procurement, FCC licensing and export controls.

- Excellent negotiation and drafting skills.

- Ability to build relationships across the business.

- Strong communicator capable of explaining complex issues simply.

- Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong presentation and budgeting skills.

- Familiarity with defence technologies beneficial.

- Compliance certifications desirable.

- CFCM or similar certifications desirable.