Director of Legal — In-house in Cheshire, Warrington

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

This is an individual contributor role within Waters' global Legal function, providing strategic, practical and commercially focused legal support to the Waters Analytical Sciences division and the global Information Technology function. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel for Analytical Sciences and IT, the role operates with meaningful autonomy within an established enterprise risk framework. It is an opportunity to own a technically sophisticated and varied legal portfolio, advising senior stakeholders, shaping enterprise governance, and leading on some of the most commercially and technically complex matters in the business.

Partnering closely with business segment leaders across the Analytical Sciences division and global IT function, the role covers a broad and technically demanding portfolio. This will include:

• Providing day-to-day legal support to the Waters Analytical Sciences division and the Information Technology function on commercial, operational and regulatory matters
• Advising on strategic growth initiatives for the Waters Analytical Sciences division, including new product commercialization and technology partnerships
• Negotiating and managing a wide range of complex commercial agreements, including complex IT, cloud services, digital transformation, cybersecurity and product security arrangements within the company's risk tolerance
• Advising on cybersecurity governance, incident response preparedness, regulatory notification and disclosure requirements across multiple jurisdictions, as part of an enterprise governance framework appropriate for a US publicly traded company with global operations
• Partnering with Information Security, Compliance, Risk Management, Quality and Finance teams to assess and mitigate technology and data risk across the enterprise
• Identifying legal, compliance and regulatory issues and escalating material matters in accordance with risk thresholds
• Developing and delivering legal training on key risks and regulatory issues to senior business stakeholders
• Identifying opportunities to improve legal processes, efficiency and service delivery globally
• Collaborating with global legal colleagues on cross-border matters and initiatives
• Supporting adoption of new tools, processes and operating models within the Legal function and developing templates, playbooks, guidance materials and legal best practices

To be considered for the role you must have:

• A UK legal qualification with at least 8 years post qualification experience gained at a leading law firm or in-house legal team
• Demonstrated experience as a Senior Counsel / Director within a complex, global organisation with strong stakeholder management skills
• A strong grounding in commercial law, including product commercialization, technology strategy and operational execution
• Proven track record of negotiating complex IT contracts at a senior level and deep expertise in complex IT and cybersecurity matters
• A solid understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory obligations across multiple jurisdictions
• Experience supporting a US publicly traded company or equivalent listed global business, ideally with exposure to the medical device or life sciences sector
• The ability to translate complex technical risk into clear, practical legal and business guidance for senior stakeholders
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the confidence to advise at senior level
• Outstanding organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple matters and reprioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment

An opportunity to operate at the intersection of commercial law, technology, cybersecurity and life sciences regulation, a genuinely rare and enriching combination in a single in-house role. High levels of responsibility, visibility and autonomy within a well-structured global Legal function and experienced leadership team. Legal work that carries real-world purpose, advancing medicines, protecting food and water safety, and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Significant international exposure across a business operating in multiple jurisdictions globally. Genuine career development prospects within a FTSE-equivalent listed business with the scale and complexity to keep the work challenging. Hybrid working. Competitive salary plus 25 days holiday, employer pension contribution, private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection. Convenient North West location with excellent transport links.

To apply, please send your CV and salary details to Andy Balmer of Think Legal Recruitment.