Senior Legal Counsel

Newpark; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic international work environment

Exposure to senior leadership

Job summary

A global operations company in Manchester is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to support a wide range of legal matters across its international operations. The ideal candidate will be a licensed attorney with over 5 years of post-qualification experience, specializing in contracts, compliance, and regulatory matters. This position offers the opportunity to shape legal support for a dynamic, international business environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience in international legal environments.
• Familiarity with EU, US, and international regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in managing complex international legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Manage international litigation and provide legal support for compliance.
• Support corporate governance and regulatory compliance efforts.

Skills

Licensed attorney

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Ability to work independently

Strong communication skills

Education

Licensed in US, EU, or Middle Eastern jurisdiction

Job description

About the Role

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel - International Operations

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated attorney to join our legal team in Manchester. The successful candidate will be a US-, EU-, or Middle East–licensed lawyer with a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience. This role requires a versatile practitioner who can work independently to support a wide range of legal matters across our operations in the Eastern Hemisphere, with a focus on contracts, compliance, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and regulatory matters. Newpark conducts business and has ongoing operations in over twenty countries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed attorney admitted in the United States, European Union, or a Middle Eastern jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in an international or cross-border legal environment. Broad experience across commercial contracts, litigation management, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Familiarity with EU, US, Middle Eastern, and international regulatory frameworks, including REACH and sanctions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and provide pragmatic business-focused advice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous in-house counsel experience in a multinational organization, with experience in oil and gas related industries highly preferred
• Experience with chemicals, industrial services, or logistics sectors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex international matters.
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Review, draft, and negotiate customer contracts, vendor agreements, property leases, equipment rental agreements, distributor/agent agreements, and subcontractor arrangements.
• Provide risk assessments and pragmatic solutions to support commercial objectives.
• Manage international litigation and disputes, including third-party contract disputes, employment-related claims, and personal injury/property damage claims.
• Coordinate with external counsel and advise management on strategy and resolution.

Compliance

• Support the global compliance program by reviewing third-party due diligence reports, delivering compliance training to employees and partners, and conducting internal investigations.
• Advise management on anti-bribery, corruption, and other compliance matters.

Corporate Governance

• Draft and manage powers of attorney, authorization letters, and related governance documents.
• Support annual corporate filings, board meeting preparations, and documentation for intercompany financing (e.g., loans, dividends).

Regulatory Compliance

• Provide legal support to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including REACH, export controls, sanctions, and laws governing the transport of chemical products.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping legal support for a global business.
• Dynamic, international working environment with exposure to senior leadership.

Successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United Kingdom. Newpark will not sponsor employment.

Note: This description excludes non-essential items and extraneous postings not relevant to the role.