At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join GE Aerospace, a leader in innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a tailored benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a small legal team and develop your career in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by partnering with senior leaders and driving legal excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK Solicitor with experience in complex negotiations and regulatory compliance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a General Counsel for our Dowty & Electrical Power UK based in Brockworth, Gloucestershire. In this role, you will provide strategic legal support across commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters and act as a trusted partner to the UK Senior Leadership Team and Boards (including Cheltenham Electrical Power). You will lead complex OEM/aftermarket contracts, bids, and program execution; manage UK compliance (ABAC, competition, data privacy), trade controls (UK/EU/US; ITAR/EAR), and export/security alignment; and advise on FAA/EASA type certification and product regulatory strategy.
You will also manage disputes and litigation, company secretarial duties, and governance for UK entities, partnering closely with Contracts, Sourcing, Engineering (IP/data rights), Supply Chain, and Quality. The role drives process standardisation and legal productivity using GE’s Lean operating model - FLIGHT DECK, and participates in Leader Standard Work and WOR/MOR routines.
Commercial & Contracts
- Lead negotiation and drafting of complex OEM/aftermarket agreements (LTAs, framework agreements, purchase/sales Ts&Cs, licensing, distribution, collaboration, NDAs).
- Support bids, proposals, and programme execution; align risk positions to policy and business strategy.
- Provide sound advice and counsel on transactions, including risk allocation, liability, and warranties.
Leadership & Business Partnership
- Function as a business partner, applying sound business and legal judgment to relationships and issues requiring legal, reputational, or compliance attention.
- Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team; participate in Leader Standard Work and support matters brought to WOR and MOR.
- Invest as a strategic partner in the success of the business, utilizing FLIGHT DECK and seeking opportunities to add value and enable success for overall Dowty metrics.
- Act as a strategic partner to the Cheltenham Electrical Power business SLT and the Board of Directors.
- Serve as a key advisor and partner to the UK Contracts and Sourcing Teams.
Product, Regulatory & Compliance
- Review and monitor regulatory changes; advise on the full range of legal issues affecting Dowty on FAA and EASA type certification.
- Partner with the business to develop, implement, and execute a product regulatory strategy and process.
- Own the UK compliance framework (anti-bribery/anti-corruption, competition law, trade controls/sanctions, data privacy); deliver training and monitoring; lead internal investigations and remediation.
- Provide leadership on risk mitigation in a fast-moving, evolving industry; proactively implement risk mitigation processes.
Trade Controls & Security
- Advise on UK/EU/US export controls and sanctions (UK OGELs/OGAs, EU dual-use, ITAR/EAR) and technology transfer.
- Partner with Export Control and Security to ensure licensing and program compliance.
Disputes & Litigation
- Provide legal support to the business on disputes and similar issues; manage pre-litigation, mediation, and litigation strategies.
- Direct external counsel and manage reserves as needed; manage referral of matters to the in-house legal team and, where appropriate, outside counsel.
Corporate Governance
- Serve as Company Secretary for UK entities; manage boards, resolutions, delegations of authority, and statutory registers.
- Ensure Companies Act compliance and high-quality record keeping.
IP & Technology
- Partner with Engineering on IP strategy, licensing, confidentiality, and data rights; support digital/cybersecurity terms and data processing.
Supply Chain & Quality
- Structure supplier agreements, remedies, and risk-sharing; support supplier recovery and dispute resolution.
- Advise on quality escapes, field actions, and regulatory interfaces with appropriate contractual protections.
Ways of Working & Productivity
- Develop processes that drive legal productivity, simplicity, and standardization.
- Lead and develop a small UK legal team; manage external counsel for value and efficiency.
Qualifications
- Qualified UK Solicitor/Lawyer.
- Significant professional experience, preferably in the Aerospace/Defense industry or other highly regulated sector.
- Demonstrated success leading complex commercial negotiations and advising senior executives.
- Strong knowledge of UK company law, competition law, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, and trade controls (UK/EU/US).
- Experience with government contracting, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and cross-border transactions is desirable.
- Litigation/dispute management experience.
- Familiarity with IP, UK GDPR/data protection, and digital/cyber terms.
Skills:
- Competent in UK MOD contracting frameworks.
- Commercial pragmatism, excellent judgment, and integrity.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management; ability to simplify complex issues.
- Drafting and negotiation excellence; effective in matrixed, global environments.
- Team leadership and development; efficient use of external counsel.
- Ability to prioritize and deliver under pressure.
Preferred
- Aerospace sector experience (OEMs, primes, Tier 1).
- Experience with M&A, JV structuring, and post-deal integration.
Flexible Working
GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.
Total Reward
At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.
As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs; Pension, Bonus, Life Assurance, Car Allowance, Group income protection, Private medical cover.
Security Clearance
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.
Right to Work
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.
General Counsel Dowty & Electrical Power UK - 6 Months FTC in Gloucester employer: Ge Aerospace
At GE Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, where innovation meets collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits package, including a tailored FlexChoice plan that empowers you to choose what suits your lifestyle best. Join us as a General Counsel and become part of a supportive culture that values integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel Dowty & Electrical Power UK - 6 Months FTC in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those who might know someone at Dowty or GE. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Given the role involves complex OEM contracts, be ready to discuss your approach to negotiations and how you handle risk allocation. We want to see your strategic thinking in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Dowty & Electrical Power UK.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel Dowty & Electrical Power UK - 6 Months FTC in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the General Counsel role. Highlight your experience in commercial negotiations, compliance, and any relevant industry knowledge that aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:We want to see your legal prowess! Include specific examples of complex contracts you've managed or disputes you've resolved. This will help us understand how you can add value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ge Aerospace
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK company law, competition law, and trade controls. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations that apply to the aerospace and defence sectors, as this will show your potential employer that you're not just a legal whiz but also understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle OEM/aftermarket agreements effectively.
✨Be a Business Partner
During the interview, highlight your experience in acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership teams. Discuss how you've applied sound business and legal judgment in previous roles, and be prepared to share how you can add value to their organisation.
✨Understand Compliance and Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with compliance frameworks like ABAC and data privacy laws. Be ready to discuss how you've managed compliance issues in the past and your approach to risk mitigation in fast-paced environments. This will show that you can navigate the complexities of regulatory matters.