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.

Job Title: Legal Counsel
Location: Belfast (Hybrid Model)
Department: Thales CSP Legal Department
Reporting to: Associate General Counsel, EMEA Regional Lead

About the Role:
We are seeking a self-motivated and collaborative Legal Counsel to join our dynamic Legal Department at Thales CSP. In this role, you will support business operations by identifying and resolving legal issues, balancing legal and commercial considerations, and drafting and negotiating a variety of agreements. The ideal candidate will have experience with domestic and international enterprise software licensing, SaaS, intellectual property, and data privacy matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and negotiate a broad spectrum of contracts, including outbound licensing, professional services, channel partner agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and other commercial and technology-related contracts.

• Proactively identify potential contractual problems and take initiative to address issues efficiently.

• Support the creation and implementation of standardized legal processes and procedures to streamline operations.

• Provide legal advice and support to procurement and various business units in the negotiation of vendor agreements.

• Advise management on contractual rights and obligations, interpreting terms and conditions clearly and effectively.

• Maintain, revise, and improve template agreements as required to ensure legal and business compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Qualified practicing lawyer with a current practicing certificate.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.

• Familiarity with a wide range of commercial agreements, including licensing, hardware, services, software-related contracts, and data privacy terms.

• High integrity, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong written and oral communication skills with significant experience collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and external customers, partners, and suppliers.

• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to changing priorities and urgent issues.

• Sound understanding of contract and negotiation principles in both business and legal contexts.

• Team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to apply sound business judgment in legal decision-making.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid working model based in Belfast.

• Opportunity to work in a global, innovative technology company.

• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

Applicants must have a valid work permit in the UK.

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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!