At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice for innovative product development and commercialization.
- Company: Join Smith+Nephew, a leader in healthcare technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible vacation, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a strong community culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by supporting groundbreaking R&D initiatives.
- Qualifications: Law degree and 7+ years of experience in commercial contracting.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We are seeking an experienced legal professional to join our Global Commercial Legal team as Senior Counsel supporting R&D Commercialisation. This role acts as a strategic legal partner across R&D, Intellectual Property (IP), and Commercial teams, helping to enable the development, protection, and successful commercialization of innovative products, including digital technologies.
You will play a key role in managing legal risk, supporting global collaborations, and advising on complex commercial transactions across multiple business units.
What will you be doing?
- Partner with R&D, IP, Business Development, and Commercial teams to provide strategic legal advice across product development and commercialization activities
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex agreements, including development, licensing, distribution, supply, and collaboration agreements
- Support global product development and launch initiatives, including new product committees and commercialization strategies
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while enabling business opportunities across global markets
- Contribute to compliance-by-design initiatives to ensure alignment with regulatory, trade, and customer requirements
- Review promotional materials and digital content related to new product launches
- Support legal operations through process optimization, contract templates, and training initiatives
- Collaborate on global legal projects and support broader team objectives and strategic initiatives
What will you need to succeed?
- Law degree (LLB or equivalent) from a reputable institution
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another commonwealth jurisdiction
- Approximately 7+ years’ post-qualification experience
- Experience in commercial contracting and advising on complex agreements
- Experience in healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors is advantageous
- In-house experience is beneficial but not required
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate legal advice into business impact
- Expertise or interest in IP-driven transactions, R&D collaboration, or commercialization of scientific innovation
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across global teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging senior leaders
- Highly organized with strong prioritization and project management skills
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options, and a car allowance.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours.
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands-on, team-customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts.
Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. We're more than just a company - we're a community!
Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial in Watford employer: Smith & Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Senior Counsel in Global R&D Commercial, you will benefit from generous annual bonuses, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health plans, all while contributing to innovative projects that enhance lives. Our commitment to employee growth through tailored training and mentorship ensures that you will have the support needed to advance your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Smith+Nephew. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of innovation and collaboration in R&D.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to navigate complex agreements. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Counsel role. Highlight your experience in commercial contracting and any relevant work in healthcare or life sciences. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your legal qualifications and experience. We’re looking for someone with strong commercial acumen and a knack for drafting complex agreements, so make sure to emphasise these skills in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you can explore more about our culture and values while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith & Nephew
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of R&D commercialisation and the healthcare sector. Familiarise yourself with Smith+Nephew's products and recent innovations. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Legal Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex agreements and commercial contracting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated legal risks while enabling business opportunities in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your stakeholder management skills by discussing how you've collaborated with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Prepare to give examples of how you've effectively communicated legal advice in a way that drives business impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to compliance, product development, and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
