Lead Legal Counsel - Corporate Functions

Job Introduction

Why Dechra? 
 
Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra. 

A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we’re a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple – to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally. 

If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on.  

 
The Opportunity 

This key role has been created to support the growing legal needs of Dechra’s corporate (central) functions, including the Digital & Technology Team, Corporate Development team, Finance, Tax and Indirect Procurement teams. The role holder will be the legal business partner for these functions.  The role therefore requires an individual with broad experience within an in-house legal function.  The role will not include line management responsibilities but there will be access to paralegal/trainee support and so supervision of colleagues may be required.

Role Responsibility 
 
So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including: 
 

• General day to day commercial contracts, particularly relating to the corporate functions noted above, such as:
  • digital and technology contracts, including SaaS contracts, software licenses and cyber security contracts;
  • tax agreements, particularly intra-group transfer pricing contracts;
  • term sheets, letters of interest and NDAs relating to projects, including M&A, which will often be confidential;
  • supplier MSAs, engagement letters and terms of service relevant to general corporate functions such as professional advisory services.
• Assist with M&A as required, including due diligence activities.
• Provide post-transactional support to commercial teams to help integrate new product or business acquisitions.
• Support with legal aspects of real estate related matters.
• Support regulatory enquiries and investigations.
• Provide pre-litigation dispute support.
• Provide termination advice and draft termination agreements.
• Contribute to the Legal team’s internal training and knowledge base including upkeep of standard legal template contracts and forms to ensure they are fit for purpose and regularly updated to reflect new legislation and best practice. 
• Actively engage with the team’s CLM system and utilisation of AI to support legal processes.
• Instructing and managing external counsel for specialist legal advice where necessary.
• Support senior colleagues; supervise junior colleagues; support all colleagues wanting a second-opinion or peer review of their work.

 
The Candidate 
 
Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals’ unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are: 
 

Essential 

• Qualified lawyer with demonstrable in-house work experience.
• Practicing certificate (or equivalent) in England or other location aligned to Dechra’s presence.
• Experience working as part of a global team. Experience in an in-house legal role.
• Experience resolving a broad range of legal issues and providing strategic, well-reasoned, constructive solutions.
• Strong commercial law experience, including in digital and technology contracts.  Experience of D&T projects and system implementations.
• Ability to effectively communicate legal advice including delivering training
• Ability to understand complicated laws and regulations and translate them into practical, business-orientated legal advice
• Ability to work collaboratively and effective with key stakeholders and business partners
• Project management skills and strong personal organisational and time management skills in order to balance working on multiple projects in multiple time zones in parallel
• Demonstrable challenging and influencing capability.
• Strong negotiation, communication, drafting and interpersonal skills
• Self-starter with ability to work independently yet be a team player
• Ability to anticipate risk and be proactive in planning and communicating accordingly including determining who should be informed and engaged
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Desirable 

• Experience working in a life science or pharma business.
• Experience of contracts and/or transactions centred on intellectual property.
• Experienced in the area of data protection, particularly contractual aspects.
• Experience of jurisdictions other than England & Wales.

 
Additional Information: 
 

• Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
• This role is based in Northwich one day per week / hybrid 

 
What we can offer you: 

• 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Life Assurance 
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution 
• Enhanced Family Leave 
• Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
• Bonus (discretionary)
• Discounted Pet Food 

About the Company 
 
If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers. 

Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide. 
 
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at recruituk@dechra.com