Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

This role leads U.S. legal matters for the organization’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.

The position is ideally over 3–4 days per week, with flexibility as needed.

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, and 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 is beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Compliance certifications desirable.
• CFCM or similar certifications desirable.