Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial and Aviation

Reference: 4841097Job ID: 5422347Posted: 2026-10-28Closing date: 2027-01-27Location: Crawley/HybridSalary: 110,000 - 115,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full time / Flexible workingIndustry: Aviation & Aerospace / In-house LegalCompany: HaysConsultant: Leila MansonHays office: Bristol — 2nd Floor, 3 Temple Quay, Temple Back EastPhone: 01173746300Email: Leila.Manson@hays.comAre you a senior commercial lawyer with experience gained within the aviation, airline or a closely related sector? This is an opportunity to join a major international organisation in a senior and highly visible in-house position, advising on complex commercial arrangements and strategic projects while working closely with executive-level stakeholders.Aviation or directly relevant sector experience is an important requirement for this appointment. The organisation is particularly interested in lawyers who can combine genuine knowledge of the aviation sector or a closely related environment with broad company-commercial expertise, rather than experience focused predominantly on specialist areas such as aircraft finance or leasing.Your New CompanyOur client is a major international business operating within the aviation and travel sector. With a complex commercial environment, high-profile strategic partnerships and an established in-house legal function, the organisation is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to its Corporate Development & Legal Affairs team.Based in Crawley with hybrid working arrangements, this is a senior appointment working closely with the Head of Legal and senior stakeholders across the organisation. The position also carries leadership responsibility within the legal function, including two direct reports.Your New RoleAs Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of strategic, company and commercial matters.Key responsibilities will include:Drafting, reviewing, structuring and negotiating complex, high-value commercial agreements.Advising on joint ventures, strategic partnerships and commercial arrangements within the aviation sector.Providing legal support in relation to loyalty programmes and agreements, trade marks, brand and marketing matters.Supporting transactions and wider company law matters in collaboration with the Company Secretary.Providing commercially focused advice to senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic decision-making.Supporting governance, risk management and compliance across commercial activities.Managing external legal advisers, including scope, fees and quality of advice.Building strong relationships across the organisation and with relevant external stakeholders.Supporting and managing junior lawyers and contributing to the wider leadership and development of the legal team.Managing multiple complex matters and strategic projects while balancing commercial objectives and legal risk.What You'll Need to SucceedYou will be a qualified solicitor with significant company-commercial experience, ideally 8–12+ years’ PQE, although equivalent senior-level experience will be considered.You will also demonstrate:Strong aviation or airline-sector experience, gained within an airline, aviation business or closely related organisation.Broad commercial expertise, including negotiating complex, high-value agreements and ideally joint ventures and strategic partnerships.Exposure to areas such as loyalty programmes, brand, marketing, trade marks and IP would be advantageous.Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to advise and influence senior and executive-level stakeholders.The seniority and leadership capability expected of an established Senior Legal Counsel.Importantly, this role requires genuine aviation or closely related sector experience alongside broad commercial capability. Candidates whose experience is predominantly within specialist aviation finance or aircraft leasing are unlikely to have the breadth required.What You'll Get in ReturnIn return, you’ll join a major international organisation in a senior, highly visible legal position, with exposure to complex commercial and strategic matters.The package includes:Competitive six-figure salaryPerformance-related bonusCar allowance and pension contributionComprehensive benefits package, including travel benefitsHybrid working, based in CrawleyThe opportunity to take on a senior role within an established in-house legal teamApply NowIf you’re an experienced commercial lawyer with aviation, airline or closely related sector experience, we’d be keen to hear from you. Apply now or contact Leila Manson at Hays Legal for a confidential discussion. #4841097 - Leila Manson