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.