At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice for innovative product development and commercialization.
- Company: Join Smith+Nephew, a leader in technology that enhances lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous bonuses, flexible vacation, and health plans.
- Other info: Collaborate globally and engage with senior leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
- Qualifications: Law degree and 7+ years of experience in commercial contracting.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Life Unlimited. 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.
What you will do:
- 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 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.
Benefits:
- Generous annual bonus and pension schemes.
- Share options and car allowance.
- Flexible vacation and paid time off.
- Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance.
- Discounts on gyms, fitness clubs, and other employee discounts.
Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial in Watford employer: Smith+Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Counsel in our Global R&D Commercial team, you will enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and strategic involvement in groundbreaking projects. With competitive benefits including generous bonuses, flexible vacation, and comprehensive health plans, working at our state-of-the-art facility not only enhances your career but also contributes to meaningful advancements in healthcare technology.
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 your connections in the legal and R&D fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Smith+Nephew and their innovative products. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in commercial contracting and R&D. Tailor your responses to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves drafting and negotiating complex agreements, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board!
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 what we do at Smith+Nephew!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your legal qualifications and experience. Mention specific complex agreements you've worked on and how you’ve navigated legal risks while supporting business opportunities. This is your chance to shine, so let us know how you can add value!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Smith+Nephew!
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 recent developments in medical devices and digital technologies, as well as any relevant legal frameworks. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements. Be ready to discuss how you've identified and mitigated legal risks while enabling business opportunities. This will illustrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to translate legal advice into business impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully collaborated with various teams in previous roles. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with senior leaders and managed stakeholder relationships. This will showcase your strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to compliance-by-design initiatives and their strategies for product development and launch. This not only shows your interest in the role but also demonstrates your strategic thinking and understanding of the broader business context.
