Legal Counsel

Location: BELFAST ARNOTT HOUSE, United Kingdom

Thales people architect identity management and data protection solutions at the heart of digital security. Business and governments rely on us to bring trust to the billons of digital interactions they have with people. Our technologies and services help banks exchange funds, people cross borders, energy become smarter and much more. More than 30,000 organizations already rely on us to verify the identities of people and things, grant access to digital services, analyze vast quantities of information and encrypt data to make the connected world more secure.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Role: Commercial Legal Counsel 
Location: Belfast (Hybrid model).

Why You?  

• You want to be a key contributor on a global scale. 

• You enjoy working with sales and driving top line growth for the business   

• You have a solid foundation in your area of expertise, but can issue spot in diverse areas of law 

• You are confident in your judgment, but open to feedback and collaborative decision-making  

• You’re an excellent communicator and eager to innovate  

The Opportunity 
You are an experienced Commercial Counsel with significant outbound commercial contracts expertise. You work well in a fast-paced, challenging environment as part of a dynamic team of professionals, and have the ability to communicate effectively in group settings and before senior management. You will report to the Associate General Counsel, EMEA Regional Lead in Thales CSP’s Legal Department. 
 
Your Responsibilities 
You must be a self-motivated team player with the ability to identify and resolve legal issues, balance legal and business concerns and draft and negotiate agreements. Experience with issues pertaining to domestic and international enterprise software licensing, SaaS, intellectual property, and data privacy is preferred.  

• Draft and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including outbound licensing, professional services, channel partner, nondisclosure, and other commercial and technology related agreements 

• Anticipate problems and initiate actions to ensure contractual issues are addressed efficiently 

• Support the development and implementation of various standardized processes and procedures 

• Provide legal support for procurement and various business units regarding negotiation of vendor agreements 

• Advise management of contractual rights and obligations and provide interpretation of terms and conditions 

• Maintain and revise template agreements as required 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Practicing lawyer with a current practicing certificate. 

• Minimum of 5 years of contracts drafting and negotiation experience at technology companies and/or law firms 

• Familiarity with a wide variety of commercial, licensing, hardware, services and other software related agreements, including data privacy terms 

• High integrity, well organized and able to manage numerous projects simultaneously 

• Clear and concise written and oral communication skills and significant experience in working closely with both internal clients and customers/partners/suppliers 

• The ability to perform well under tight deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment 

• Must be flexible and able to react promptly 

• Understanding of contract and negotiation principles in the business and legal context 

• A team-oriented style yet are able to work with little or no supervision 

• Able to apply sound business judgment 

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In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!