Legal Counsel in Oxford

This is an exciting time to join the Oxford PV journey, as we continue to build on our foundation as a spin out from the University of Oxford in 2010, to grow and scale up commercialisation of our groundbreaking technology in the renewable energy sector. To support this evolution, we are looking for an additional hire for our in-house Legal team, reporting to the Head of Legal. Our Legal function serves the whole Oxford PV group (including our UK and Germany based business functions).

You will be a solicitor qualified in England & Wales with a solid foundation in contract law, some grounding in intellectual property concepts and experience of drafting and reviewing commercial contracts. This role is intended for an NQ-2 years’ PQE solicitor, but candidates with more experience could be considered. Candidates from private practice or in-house backgrounds, or a mixture of both, are welcome to apply. We also welcome candidates with a first degree in a subject other than Law. You will have an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the renewable energy sector and new technologies.

In this role, you will be directly supervised and mentored by the Head of Legal, as well as being able to draw on the expertise and input of our other Heads of Department (including IP, R&D and Product) as you learn the workings of the business and adapt your existing legal skills and training to this new, fast moving and energetic setting. Agility and adaptability are key to success in this role. The role is based in our Oxfordshire office, with the option of hybrid working (3 days onsite, 2 days remote per week, but with a preference for at least 4 days per week onsite during the first 3-6 months).

What will you be doing?

• Reviewing and drafting of commercial contracts, including NDAs, terms and conditions of sale and purchase, material transfer agreements, collaboration agreements, studentship agreements, R&D contracts, and procurement contracts for equipment and tooling.
• Branching out (with support and guidance) into advising in related/other areas, such as employment law and regulatory/compliance matters, as driven by business need.
• Conducting legal research and reporting/applying findings.
• Tracking relevant legislation and regulations and reporting key developments.
• Assisting the Head of Legal with training to other teams on legal and compliance topics.
• Supporting ongoing development of contract lifecycle and legal matter management processes and systems.
• Adapting to changing requirements and priorities as business need demands, and supporting the Head of Legal to adapt the focus of Legal team priorities accordingly.
• Building trusted working relationships with business stakeholders and colleagues in other teams.

What will you need to succeed in the role?

Essential skills:

• Solicitor qualified in England & Wales, NQ-2 years PQE.
• Solid foundation in contract law.
• Experience of reviewing and drafting commercial contracts (including some, or all of, NDAs, terms and conditions of sale and purchase, procurement contracts, R&D agreements, university collaboration agreements, IP licences/assignments, manufacturing contracts, IT supply/service contracts).
• Understanding of contractual treatment of intellectual property and confidential information.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to keep the wider context and business objective in mind.
• Ability to deliver legal advice clearly and concisely.
• Willingness to adapt existing legal skills to new areas of law, as required (e.g. regulatory and compliance topics).
• Strong legal research skills and the ability to capture and communicate key research findings.
• Willingness to learn and keep up to date with developments in relevant areas of law and practice.
• Ability to proactively manage a caseload (with guidance and supervision) and to deliver to tight deadlines when required.
• Highly motivated, agile and adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Experience of advising or working in technology/innovation driven businesses.
• Knowledge of German language and/or laws.

What will we offer you in return?

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefit package according to location.
• A fast-paced work environment in a growing international company.
• A chance to make a difference by joining our employee committees built around our values.
• The opportunity to experience and support many parts of the business.

Sounds good? Join our team – we look forward to receiving your application! Oxford PV is an equal opportunity employer and expressly welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.