Legal and Compliance Officer in Waterbeach

Company Profile: Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award‑winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in‑house R&D, cutting‑edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Location: Waterbeach, UK

Department: Commercial

Reports to: Commercial Director

Type: Full‑time, Permanent

About You: Thermoteknix is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Legal & Compliance Officer to oversee and support the company’s legal, regulatory and compliance activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring robust governance frameworks, managing legal risk and maintaining compliance across global operations. Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, HR and commercial teams, the role combines hands‑on legal work with broader responsibility for compliance programmes, policies and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including supply and procurement agreements, distribution and reseller agreements, NDAs and confidentiality agreements, licensing and technology transfer agreements, service and consultancy agreements. Oversee contract lifecycle management and maintain accurate contract records. Support commercial teams in contract negotiations and risk assessment.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Lead and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including data protection and privacy (e.g., GDPR), export control and trade compliance, corporate governance and regulatory requirements. Develop, implement and monitor internal compliance policies and procedures. Conduct compliance risk assessments and audits. Deliver training and guidance to staff on compliance matters.
• Legal Risk Management: Provide practical, business-focused legal advice across the organisation. Identify legal and compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies. Support dispute resolution and manage litigation matters where required. Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
• HR & Employment Law Support: Advise HR on employment law matters, including employment contracts and policies, employee relations, disciplinary and grievance processes. Ensure HR practices align with current legal and regulatory requirements.
• Intellectual Property Support: Support the management and protection of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Liaise with external counsel on filings, renewals and IP strategy.
• External Legal Counsel Management: Manage relationships with external legal advisors. Coordinate legal advice and ensure cost‑effective use of external counsel. Act as the primary interface between internal stakeholders and law firms.
• Corporate Governance: Support corporate governance activities, including board and committee documentation, corporate filings and statutory compliance, maintenance of company records and registers. Assist in developing and improving governance frameworks.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, sales, procurement, finance, and HR teams. Provide clear, practical legal and compliance guidance to non‑legal stakeholders. Support business operations while safeguarding legal and regulatory integrity.

Required Experience: 5+ years experience in commercial law, compliance, risk or regulatory environments, preferably in the technology or manufacturing sector. Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Proven experience in compliance programme development or oversight. Understanding of legal and compliance frameworks (including GDPR). Knowledge of export controls and international trade regulations. Excellent legal drafting, analytical and problem‑solving skills. Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non‑legal audiences.

Desirable Experience: Experience in defence, technology or advanced engineering sectors. Familiarity with intellectual property law and portfolio management. Experience working with international distributors and partners. Exposure to internal audits, compliance training or ESG frameworks.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Why us? Opportunity to work in an innovative technology environment. Exposure to a broad range of legal work including commercial, compliance, IP, and employment matters. Collaborative work with cross‑functional teams across the business. Competitive salary, benefits and opportunities for professional development.