Commercial and Legal Manager

Role Overview: A leading hi:tech manufacturing company is seeking a Commercial and Legal Manager to provide strategic guidance and support across all commercial matters up to board level.

This role will work cross:functionally with Research and Development, Sales and Marketing, Procurement, and the Senior Management Team to safeguard the company's commercial and legal interests.

Key Responsibilities: Commercial Contracts and Agreements: :Evaluate, draft, negotiate, and implement a range of commercial and legal documents, including: :International and national multi:party agreements :R and D collaboration and consortium agreements :Standard terms and conditions, sales contracts, frame agreements :Representative, distributor, consultancy, confidentiality agreements :External funding agreements (EU and Innovate UK) :Complex quotations, tenders, licence agreements, settlements, assignment agreements :Ancillary commercial documents (performance guarantees, bank guarantees) :Supply agreements and software licences : Engage specialist legal advice as needed and manage external legal advisors.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management: :Oversee patents and trademarks (applications, renewals, maintenance) :Manage IP assignments, trade secrets, and confidentiality issues :Handle counterfeiting and infringement cases : Engage and manage external IP advisors Commercial Procedures and Policies: : Contribute to formulation and implementation of commercial procedures and company policies Finance, Legal and Commercial Support: :Maintain contracts database :Play a key role in major transactions (e.g., sale/leaseback, sale of businesses, due diligence) :Support litigation and dispute resolution processes : Manage product liability claims Candidate Profile : Essential: :Minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar commercial/legal role within hi:tech production or manufacturing :Strong experience in contract management and negotiation :Excellent analytical skills with attention to contractual detail :Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor) : Degree:level business or legal qualification Key Skills and Competencies: :Ability to analyse and assess contractual risks :Skilled in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial documents :Ability to execute agreements and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines :Strong business judgement and trusted advisor capability across all levels : Experience ma