General Counsel

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe; Oxford; On-site; GBP 107,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international company in Oxford is seeking a General Counsel to oversee corporate governance and legal compliance across the UK, EU, and Japan. This permanent full-time position involves providing strategic legal support, ensuring compliance with laws, and managing legal risks. The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer with 7-10 years of relevant experience, capable of advising on complex cross-border legal issues. Enjoy competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a supportive environment.

Benefits

30 Days annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of post-qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
• Deep understanding of UK, EU and Japanese corporate law and compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience advising on cross-border legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance to management on all company activities.
• Oversee compliance frameworks including data protection and AI governance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts.

Skills

Corporate governance

Data protection

AI ethics

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Japanese communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction)

Job description

Are you passionate about driving innovative solutions to address the world's most important problems? AIOI R&D Lab, developing AI solutions and products to solve societal problems, is looking for a General Counsel to take responsibility on corporate governance and legal clearance in the digital field in EU/UK/Japan.

As General Counsel, you will provide strategic and operational legal support across the company as a member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers. You will ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the UK, EU, and Japan, particularly in areas of corporate governance, data protection, AI ethics and risk, digital regulation, and insurance‑related legislation. You’ll work with a talented team of executives and project managers, group legal teams and industry leaders.

The role is a permanent full‑time position. Salary is £107,000 – £150,000 per annum depending on experience.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level, apply now and join AIOI R&D Lab in making a lasting, positive impact.

Apply today!

Responsibilities

• Member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers (Subject to AIOI R&D Lab's board approval)
• Provide legal advice and guidance to management on all company activities, including R&D, partnerships, procurement, and corporate governance.
• Oversee compliance frameworks, including data protection (GDPR, APPI, etc.), AI governance, and digital regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and interpret relevant legislative and regulatory developments in the UK, EU, and Japan affecting the company’s operations and research.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including research collaboration agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and partnership MoUs.
• Lead risk management initiatives relating to AI ethics, data use, and digital technologies.
• Develop and maintain internal policies for legal compliance, privacy management, and ethical AI development.
• Act as the main contact for legal coordination with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Ltd. and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd., ensuring group-level consistency.
• Support board governance matters for Aioi R&D Lab Ltd.
• Manage and supervise external counsel, ensuring efficient and cost‑effective use of legal resources.

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction).
• Minimum 7‑10 years of post‑qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
• Deep understanding of UK, EU and Japanese corporate law and compliance frameworks; data protection and privacy laws (GDPR, APPI, etc.); AI risk management and digital/technology regulations; legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance industry.
• Proven experience advising on cross‑border legal matters and working within international corporate groups.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in both English and Japanese, with the ability to conduct legal discussions fluently (native level in at least one language).
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.

Desirable:

• Experience working in or with R&D or technology‑driven organizations.
• Familiarity with UK or EU insurance supervisory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, EIOPA regulations).
• Prior in‑house counsel experience in a multinational company or financial institution.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance programs, particularly for AI governance or data ethics.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with regulators, external counsel, and internal stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.

Why Join Us?

We're committed to your growth, providing the support to excel in your current role whilst offering opportunities to step into new challenges and drive your career forward.

We realise that we need to be a good fit for you above all else so here’s what you can enjoy about AND-E:

• Recognised as the Best Large Insurance Employer: We are proud to have been named the Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023 at the prestigious British Insurance Awards.
• Unmatched Work‑Life Balance.
• Competitive Salaries and Benefits Package: We offer competitive salaries that recognise your skills and expertise.

We champion choice, flexibility, and balance in both work and home life. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and supported including embracing neurodiversity and providing the tools needed to thrive.

We like to think our benefits package is one of the best, focusing on colleagues health, wealth, and lifestyle.

We offer:

• 30 Days annual leave with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days holiday.
• Permanent Health Insurance, Private Medical & Wellness Checks.
• 4 x Annual salary Life Assurance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including money back on health‑related expenses, virtual GP service, flu jab vouchers, driving lessons support, pension advisory, and family‑friendly policies (e.g. baby bonus).
• Employee well‑being initiatives like the Employee Assistance Programme, annual season ticket loan, cycle scheme, and financial flexibility through Wagestream.

Subject to company performance and completion of probation

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).

At AND-E, equal opportunity is more than a policy it’s a promise. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any adjustments to support you during our recruitment process, please let us know. We’re committed to making the process accessible and are happy to help.