Role Overview:
A leading hi-tech manufacturing company is seeking a Commercial and Legal Manager to provide strategic guidance and support across all commercial matters up to board level. This role will work cross-functionally with Research & Development, Sales & Marketing, Procurement, and the Senior Management Team to safeguard the company’s commercial and legal interests.
Key Responsibilities:
Commercial Contracts & Agreements:
*Evaluate, draft, negotiate, and implement a range of commercial and legal documents, including:
*International and national multi-party agreements
*R&D collaboration and consortium agreements
*Standard terms & conditions, sales contracts, frame agreements
*Representative, distributor, consultancy, confidentiality agreements
*External funding agreements (EU & Innovate UK)
*Complex quotations, tenders, licence agreements, settlements, assignment agreements
*Ancillary commercial documents (performance guarantees, bank guarantees)
*Supply agreements and software licences
*Engage specialist legal advice as needed and manage external legal advisors.
*
Intellectual Property (IP) Management:
*Oversee patents and trademarks (applications, renewals, maintenance)
*Manage IP assignments, trade secrets, and confidentiality issues
*Handle counterfeiting and infringement cases
*Engage and manage external IP advisors
*
Commercial Procedures & Policies:
*Contribute to formulation and implementation of commercial procedures and company policies
*
Finance, Legal & Commercial Support:
*Maintain contracts database
*Play a key role in major transactions (e.g., sale/leaseback, sale of businesses, due diligence)
*Support litigation and dispute resolution processes
*Manage product liability claims
*
Candidate Profile – Essential:
*Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar commercial/legal role within hi-tech production or manufacturing
*Strong experience in contract management and negotiation
*Excellent analytical skills with attention to contractual detail
*Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor)
*Degree-level business or legal qualification
*
Key Skills & Competencies:
*Ability to analyse and assess contractual risks
*Skilled in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial documents
*Ability to execute agreements and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
*Strong business judgement and trusted advisor capability across all levels
*Experience managing external advisors and confidential information
*
Desirable:
*Experience in hi-tech manufacturing or production environments
MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND SITE IN LINCOLN, UK AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK