Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!

We are currently looking for a Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts to join our EMEAI Legal Team. This exciting role is responsible for the drafting, negotiation and execution of commercial contracts (sales, procurement and business development) and for providing ad-hoc legal support, including real property matters, litigation and/or M&A.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review moderate to complex solicitations and work closely with the sales organization to prepare niche and/or non-routine responses to requests for proposals, bids, tenders and contracts.
• Analyse and negotiate contract requirements, special provisions and terms and conditions to align with company standards and ensure compliance with corporate business strategy, policies and commercial procedures.
• Prepare and send approval requests to SMEs in accordance with internal escalation processes.
• Prepare signature memo with all relevant approvals and routes for signature. File all fully completed agreements and negotiate any related amendment.
• Serve as a focal point for communication with finance, procurement and commercial teams.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of Oxford Nanopore products and technology.
• Provide ad-hoc legal support, including supervising the maintenance of lease agreements and negotiating new lease agreements and/or manage outside counsel with respect to the same, support M&A or support litigation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified solicitor or equivalent experience.
• At least three years’ legal experience, and knowledge of contract review, negotiation and general commercial law.
• Life Sciences or tech industry experience.
• Excellent internal and external negotiation skills with proven experience of applying good independent judgement and creativity to the resolution of contract issues.
• Deep understanding of contracting concepts and applicable contract law, including government and international contract regulations.
• Understanding and knowledge of key market influences.
• Excellent communication skills with a positive can-do attitude.
• Use problem solving and critical thinking skills to ensure timely progression of contracts negotiations.
• Excellent teamwork skills, with an ability to also work independently but within the internal approval matrices.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and able to work to tight deadlines across multiple time zones.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.