Location: Cambridge, UK / Hybrid
Functional area: Corporate Services
Reports to: Corporate Services
CN Bio is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Paralegal or Legal Executive to provide legal, governance and compliance support across the business.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will act as the primary internal legal support resource, supporting a broad range of commercial, corporate and operational activities. The role will involve managing commercial contracts, supporting Board and corporate governance processes, coordinating intellectual property administration and acting as the principal liaison with external legal advisers.
This is a highly varied position offering exposure to commercial agreements, intellectual property, fundraising activities, strategic partnerships, employment-related matters and corporate governance. The role is ideally suited to an individual who enjoys working independently, exercising sound judgement and balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Contracts
- Draft, review and administer commercial agreements including non-disclosure agreements, consultancy agreements, supplier agreements, services agreements and strategic partnership contracts.
- Support contract negotiations and coordinate review processes with internal stakeholders and external advisers.
- Maintain and improve standard contract templates.
- Manage contract execution, filing and document retention processes.
- Monitor key contractual obligations, renewal dates, notice periods and commercial commitments.
Corporate Governance
- Support Board and shareholder administrative activities.
- Maintain statutory records and corporate governance documentation.
- Coordinate Companies House filings and corporate compliance requirements.
- Ensure governance records are maintained accurately and in accordance with legal obligations.
- Support the administration of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property assets.
- Coordinate interactions with external patent attorneys.
- Track filing deadlines, renewals and associated documentation.
- Maintain internal records relating to intellectual property activities.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Assist with compliance activities relating to confidentiality, data protection and information governance.
- Support policy development and review activities.
- Conduct legal and regulatory research as required.
- Identify potential contractual and operational risks and escalation appropriately.
Strategic and Corporate Support
- Support legal aspects of fundraising, strategic partnerships, due diligence activities and corporate projects.
- Assist with employment-related legal documentation and administration.
- Prepare briefing materials for external legal advisers to improve efficiency and cost management.
- Provide practical legal and commercial support to management and functional teams.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain effective legal administration processes across the business.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that reduce legal and compliance risk.
- Support the delivery of business objectives through pragmatic and commercially focused legal support.
- Undertake other duties consistent with the needs of the business.
About You
Essential Experience and Skills
- Proven experience working as a Paralegal, Senior Paralegal or Legal Executive.
- Strong experience reviewing and administering commercial contracts.
- Excellent written communication and document drafting skills.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering to deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
- Commercially pragmatic approach and sound judgement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and legal document management systems.
Desirable Experience and Skills
- Experience working within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences or technology sectors.
- Experience supporting intellectual property administration.
- Familiarity with UK company law and corporate governance requirements.
- Experience supporting Board processes and Companies House filings.
- Knowledge of data protection and compliance requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Trustworthy and professional.
- Comfortable working independently with limited supervision.
- Pragmatic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and approachable.
- Able to balance legal risk with commercial realities.
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
What Success Looks Like
Within the role, the successful candidate will:
- Become the trusted internal owner of day-to-day legal administration and governance activities.
- Reduce reliance on external counsel for routine legal matters.
- Ensure commercial contracts are managed efficiently and consistently.
- Maintain robust governance, compliance, and intellectual property records.
- Enable business growth by providing practical and commercially focused legal support.
The Benefits
- Pension with Standard Life.
- Private Healthcare with AXA.
- Cashback for Dental and Optical Care.
- Life Assurance.
- Income Protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
- Office snacks and refreshments.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment.
Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the role in accordance with UK immigration legislation. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce.
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