Legal Counsel - 18 month FTC

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

As a member of the global legal team, this Legal Counsel, Manufacturing & Supply Chain position will report to the Assistant General Counsel. This fixed-term role has been created to cover the maternity leave of the European/APAC legal business partner for Dechra’s manufacturing and supply chain business (DMS).  The role will need to work closely with the US-based legal colleague who also supports DMS as well as key stakeholders in the business. 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.

The role requires an individual that can engage with manufacturing and supply-chain colleagues.  The role will be predominantly focussed on commercial contracts under a variety of laws and in this situation apply their legal knowledge and common sense, discussing with the Assistant General Counsel when and if external advice may be required given Dechra’s risk appetite.  All legal team members will necessarily have a close working relationship with the Governance and Compliance teams.

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: 

• Liaise with legal colleagues and internal stakeholders both in DMS and other areas such as Compliance, Procurement, Finance and Tax.
• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts including:
  • 
    
    • contract manufacturing agreements, 
      • supply chain and procurement contracts, 
    • CAPEX contracts,
    • warehousing and logistics contracts,
    • distribution of goods contracts,
    • service contracts, including MSAs, and NDAs.
• Dealing with early-stage disputes.
• Instruct and manage external advisors.
• Assist GC, Assistant GCs and Senior Legal Counsels with the delivery of timely and commercially focused legal support to all parts of the Dechra Group.
• Contribute to the Legal team’s internal training and knowledge base. 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.
• Responsible for own personal health & safety.
• Guidance to junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals 

 
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: 
 

• Qualified lawyer with demonstrable in-house work experience 
• Right to work and practice law in England & Wales (authorised by the SRA)
• Current SRA practicing certificate
• Experience resolving legal issues and providing strategic, well-reasoned, constructive solutions
• Strong legal drafting skills.
• Demonstrable challenging and influencing capability
• Strong negotiation, communication, drafting and interpersonal skills
• Strong commercial law experience, particularly as regards the manufacture of finished goods and the underpinning component supply contracts
• 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
• Experience working as part of a global team
• Strong organisational and time management skills in order to balance working on multiple projects in multiple time zones in parallel
• 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

 
Additional Information: 
 

• Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
• This role is based in Northwich / 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 
• 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