Senior Legal & Compliance Counsel

IMI Climate Control; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm in the UK is looking for a Senior Legal & Compliance Counsel to oversee legal functions related to AI, privacy, and technology law. The successful candidate will provide legal advice across business functions, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and help shape the legal department's strategy. This role requires at least 6 years of post-qualification experience and strong expertise in commercial legal matters.

Benefits

Strong benefits

Flexible policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience ideally gained in both private practice and in-house within a multinational environment.
• Proven expertise in digital data protection and technology law with a strong foundation in commercial legal matters.
• Experience advising on global regulatory frameworks and managing cross-border legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, pragmatic legal advice across various business functions.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial and technology contracts.
• Ensure compliance with global laws and regulations.
• Help shape the Legal & Compliance function contributing to its strategy.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Fluent in English

Education

Qualified lawyer in the UK or a European jurisdiction

Job description

Company

IMI plc

At IMI we’re not just creating solutions; we’re building careers. Unlock your potential: do work that matters, grow with us, and be part of a team shaping tomorrow.

Here you can make a real difference solving complex engineering challenges that make industries smarter, safer, and more sustainable—from the energy that powers homes to the systems that keep the world moving—helping create solutions the world depends on.

But it’s not just about the work; it’s about how you grow. We encourage curiosity, make learning part of everyday life, and give you real opportunities to build new skills and move your career forward.

We believe in nurturing your wellbeing too with strong benefits and flexible policies that help you succeed. At IMI you’ll find a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment where you can truly thrive.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior Legal & Compliance Counsel to join our high‑performing Legal & Compliance team. This is a pivotal role for a commercially astute lawyer with knowledge in AI, privacy, digital data, and technology law alongside strong generalist legal capabilities. You will report directly to the General Counsel and play a key role in shaping the legal function to support Climate Controls strategic priorities particularly in digital transformation, innovation, and global compliance.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of a dynamic legal department working closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure our operations are legally sound, ethically robust, and future‑ready.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contractual Expertise

• Provide proactive, pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of business functions including IT Security, Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Procurement, and Operations.
• Act as a trusted advisor on legal matters relating to AI, privacy, digital innovation, data governance, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
• Support and enable strategic initiatives including digital transformation and innovation.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial and technology contracts including software licences, SaaS agreements, supply and service contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Develop playbooks, templates and toolkits to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contract terms and negotiation strategies.
• Manage and support resolution of commercial and contractual claims and disputes.

• Ensure compliance with global laws and regulations including anti‑bribery, competition, trade compliance, data protection (GDPR, CCPA) and digital, AI and cybersecurity regulations (e.g., EU AI Act, NIS2, EU Data Act).
• Develop, embed and maintain policies on legal compliance and ethics standards, digital operations, AI governance, responsible tech use, cybersecurity and data governance frameworks.
• Conduct legal risk assessments, compliance reviews and support audits covering regulatory, contractual and operational risks including AI, digital, cybersecurity, data privacy and third‑party/vendor obligations.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Help shape the Legal & Compliance function contributing to its strategy, structure and ways of working.
• Build strong relationships across the business and influence decision‑making at all levels.
• Manage external counsel where needed, ensuring quality and cost‑effectiveness.

Critical Competencies for Success

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified lawyer in the UK or a European jurisdiction.
• Minimum 6 years of post‑qualification experience ideally gained in both private practice and in‑house within a multinational environment.
• Proven expertise in digital data protection and technology law with a strong foundation in commercial legal matters.
• Experience advising on global regulatory frameworks and managing cross‑border legal issues.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on pragmatic approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Health & Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific work conditions and physical requirements of this role.

Health Safety and Environmental Duties: At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures and to challenge any observed behaviours or unsafe acts.

Code of Ethics

IMI expects the highest ethical standards in all business dealings with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees and authorities in line with our Code of Conduct.

IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.