Legal Director @ FTSE 100 business in Aberdeen

Legal Director – London (Hybrid)

💼 FTSE 100 | Global Operations | Commercial Leadership | Research & Product Development | Governance

A global, FTSE-listed business operating across 90+ countries is seeking a Legal Director to lead its commercial legal operations from London.

This is a senior, high-impact position at the centre of a fast-moving, purpose-driven organisation. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing strategic legal guidance across commercial, product, research, and operational matters, ensuring the business grows responsibly and innovates safely.

The opportunity

• Lead and develop the legal function for the UK & Head Office, setting strategic direction and ensuring world-class legal support.
• Provide pragmatic, business-focused advice on a wide range of commercial, regulatory and corporate issues.
• Support research and product development initiatives — advising on IP ownership, data use, product safety, compliance and commercialisation.
• Oversee and negotiate key commercial contracts, including supply, procurement, technology, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and embed robust governance, compliance, and risk frameworks across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.
• Partner closely with senior stakeholders across operations, R&D, product, HR, finance and sustainability to enable informed, risk-aware decision making.
• Manage and mentor a capable in-house team and maintain effective relationships with external advisers.
• Contribute to wider business strategy, helping to identify legal risks early and structure commercial solutions that drive growth and innovation.

About you

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with 8–12+ years’ PQE from a leading law firm and/or major in-house legal team.
• Broad commercial experience, ideally spanning contracts, procurement, R&D, IP, governance, data/privacy and regulatory matters.
• Proven track record leading or supporting product and technology-driven projects.
• Experienced leader with the ability to influence at senior level and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Commercially astute, pragmatic and comfortable in a fast-paced international environment.
• Excellent communicator, able to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.
• Strong people leader who builds capability and fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture.

For more information please feel free to reach out to James Betteley – James@heriotbrown.com