Legal Counsel – NQ-4 PQE

JR United Kingdom; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in manufacturing and infrastructure seeks a junior lawyer for its in-house legal team in Derby. This role offers broad exposure to commercial and compliance matters, providing the opportunity for professional growth and experience within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Benefits

Ongoing mentoring from senior lawyers

Valuable input in a collaborative team

Exposure to international legal matters

Joining a respected global organization

Qualifications

• Up to 4 years PQE; NQ's will be considered.
• Grounding in commercial contracts and general corporate/commercial law.
• Prior experience in manufacturing or infrastructure sectors is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate contracts: manufacturing, sales, distribution, procurement.
• Advise on legal queries and compliance issues.
• Support internal investigations and policy development.

Skills

Commercial contracts

General corporate law

Communication

Problem-solving

Risk assessment

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

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We’re working with a global leader in manufacturing and infrastructure on a fantastic opportunity for a junior lawyer to join their high-performing in-house legal team. This role offers broad exposure to a wide range of commercial and compliance matters across a complex, international business - ideal for someone seeking variety and career development within a well-established, supportive environment.

This is a true generalist in-house role, offering a high level of autonomy and visibility across the business. Reporting into senior legal stakeholders, you’ll provide day-to-day legal and compliance support across the organisation’s UK and EMEA operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts: manufacturing, sales, distribution, procurement, and project-related agreements
• Advising on day-to-day legal queries across commercial operations and supporting internal stakeholders with practical, risk-aware guidance
• Supporting ethics and compliance initiatives - internal investigations, training, policy development, anti-bribery and corruption
• Advising on regulatory and operational risk, including competition law, trade compliance, and data protection
• Managing external counsel where required
• Helping to develop and improve internal legal processes and contract templates

About You:

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent jurisdiction). Up to 4 years PQE. NQ's will be considered, including those due to qualify in September 2025.
• Strong grounding in commercial contracts and general corporate/commercial law, gained either in private practice or in-house
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Comfortable juggling a varied workload and operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• A commercial, pragmatic mindset - someone who enjoys solving problems and enabling business goals
• Prior experience in manufacturing, infrastructure, engineering, or industrial sectors would be helpful, but is not essential

Why Apply?

This is an outstanding opportunity for a junior lawyer looking to broaden their in-house experience. The role offers:

• Breadth – A genuinely diverse mix of commercial and compliance work
• Development – Ongoing mentoring from senior lawyers and exposure to international legal matters
• Stability & Scale – Join a highly respected global organisation with a strong market position
• Culture – Down-to-earth, collaborative legal team where your input will be valued

If you’re a commercially minded junior lawyer looking for a broad and rewarding in-house legal role, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV via the apply button.