In-House Commercial Contracts Solicitor

In-House Commercial Contracts Solicitor Defence Industry

Location: Dorset, UK

Reports to: General Counsel (based in Hamburg)

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Company

Atlas Elektronik UK Limited (AEUK) is a leading organization in the defence industry, dedicated to innovation and excellence. AEUK develop, supply and support cutting-edge maritime technology for customers worldwide.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced In-House Commercial Contracts Solicitor to join our legal team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, with at least 5 years’ experience in both private practice and in-house roles. Experience in the defence industry is desirable but not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with the skills and experience necessary to work for a UK based company which is part of a global organisation whose legal team is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and advising on a variety of commercial contracts, including framework agreements, industry standard agreements, supply agreements, service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and licensing agreements.
• Advising on collaborative working agreements including memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements and consortia and joint venture agreements
• Providing strategic legal advice to the business on contract-related matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and mitigate risks.
• Liaising with other corporate functions (For example, Finance, Insurance and Compliance) to ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements.
• Instructing external counsel on international transactions.
• Preparing reports on key aspects of commercial contracts for internal governance purposes.
• Managing and resolve contractual disputes, including liaising with external legal counsel when necessary.
• Supporting the procurement and supply chain teams with legal guidance on contractual issues.
• Conducting legal research and stay updated on relevant legal developments, particularly those impacting the defence industry.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong academic record.
• Qualified solicitor (England and Wales) with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in  private practice and in-house legal roles.
• Extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Excellent understanding of contract law and commercial principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with in-house clients at all levels including the senior management of the organisation and the wider global legal team.
• High level of professionalism and integrity.

With a reputation for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy (RN) and export customers, AEUK operates from our Headquarters on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Through science, engineering and R&D we convert data into information, knowledge and capabilities that challenge the status quo, and offer winning advantage at the frontline.

Our people are at the heart of our success, an open and stimulating workspace empowers and encourages our people to be creative and act with integrity. Despite our continued growth, AEUK pride ourselves on retaining a friendly and welcoming culture.

As well as boasting a substantial benefits package, we offer progression and personal development opportunities, competitive remuneration, flexible working and a generous pension scheme.

The continuous investment in our unique in-house test and integration facilities has supported AEUK’s growth in supplying UK and global markets with submarine and ship systems. This includes sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine counter-measures. Our Portland Harbour waterside facilities provide an excellent environment to test systems at sea. As a leading innovative maritime systems company, AEUK operate throughout all phases of the acquisition and engineering lifecycles, from concept to In-service Support.

Requirements

• Some overseas travel will be necessary
• Appointment subject to successful application for security clearance.