VP/SVP Commercial Negotiation and Execution - Transaction Lawyer (Fixed Term Contract)

SMBC Aviation Capital; Dublin; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SMBC Aviation Capital is seeking a VP/SVP Commercial Negotiation and Execution - Transaction Lawyer (Fixed Term Contract) in Dublin. You will lead cross-functional deal teams, structure and negotiate complex cross-border aviation leases and financing transactions, coordinating closing steps and ensuring timely execution.

You will act as a primary contact for manufacturers, investors and airline customers, while aligning with tax, accounting and legal advisors across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor/lawyer with 5+ years’ post-qualification experience in a commercial environment (aviation leasing/financing or corporate law firm).
• Background in aviation leasing/financing desirable.
• Commercial mindset with understanding of customer needs and key risks.
• Strong critical thinking; ability to articulate issues and craft solutions.
• Proven project management and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional deal teams and manage negotiations at contract stage and post-contract.
• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documents for cross-border aviation leases and trades; coordinate closings.
• Work in deal teams to structure products and transactions across the aviation leasing/financing spectrum.
• Support risk management through structuring, documentation and timely execution.
• Act as primary contact for manufacturers, law firms, airlines, investors and other participants.
• Coordinate input from legal, tax, accounting and other advisors; represent SMBC AC in various jurisdictions.
• Collaborate to support shareholders in aviation-related product lines; lead deal teams as needed.
• Handle ad hoc projects and travel as required.

Skills

Commercial mindset

Client focus

Project management

Cross-border transactions

Deal structuring

Negotiation

Relationship building

Time-zone flexibility

Education

Qualified solicitor/lawyer with 5+ years’ PQE

Aviation leasing/financing exposure desirable

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

VP/SVP Commercial Negotiation and Execution - Transaction Lawyer (Fixed Term Contract)

Vacancy type Lateral

Business area Commercial Negotiation & Execution

Location Dublin

Intake year 2026

Team & Role Overview

The Commercial Negotiation & Execution Team forms an integral part of both the delivery of our commercial strategy and the holistic management of our customer bases. Delivering for our customers is at the heart of our business and our CNX function has a broad remit from leading the negotiation, project management and execution of the various contracts for all transactions undertaken by SMBC AC including leasing, trading, restructuring, OEM procurement and capital markets, managing post-delivery activity and customer relationships through to managing closings and document management.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead cross functional Deal Teams and project manage commercial negotiations at contract stage and post contract stage on behalf of SMBC AC with airlines, investors, financiers and other industry players across a wide range of transactions such as leases, sale/purchase transactions, restructurings, repossessions, transitions, financings and portfolio management transactions and ensure that such transactions execute and close on time and on budget.

• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documents on the full range of cross-border aviation leasing and trading transactions and co-ordinate all closing steps.

• Work in Deal Teams (during LOI/origination stage) to structure product and transaction offerings on the full range of cross-border aviation leasing and financing transactions.

• Assume an important role in implementing SMBC AC’s risk management framework through optimal structuring, teamwork, industry-leading documentation and attention to detail ensuring smooth and timely execution.

• In a key customer facing role you will be expected to act as a primary contact for manufacturers, law firms, airline customers, aircraft investors and other industry participants on transactions.

• Co-ordinate the input of legal, tax, accounting and other professional advisors and represent the interests of SMBC AC and our shareholders in our deals to ensure SMBC AC understands the legal, tax and commercial environment in all jurisdictions where we do business and facilitating our ability to enter new markets.

• Collaborate with colleagues/advisors to support our shareholders in their various aviation related product lines (including JOL, JOLCO and commercial debt products) and participate in/lead Deal Teams for such transactions.

• Other responsibilities may be required from time to time, including working on internal and external ad hoc special or corporate projects.

• Flexibility and willingness to travel on assignment, from time to time, where required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified solicitor/lawyer with 5+ years’ post qualification experience in a commercial environment (in the aviation leasing/financing industry or at a corporate law firm).

• A background in the aviation leasing/financing industry (either in a professional advisory capacity or within a lessor, financier, OEM or other industry participant) is desirable.

• Possess a true commercial mindset, an understanding of customer needs and key risks in the business.

• Clear track record of critical thinking and an ability to clearly understand and articulate issues and risks while at the same time able to devise and deliver creative and customer focused solutions.

• Proven project management and problem-solving skills with an ability and flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic team environment.

• Experience of or an openness to occasionally working hours to accommodate demands of different time zones.

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships and networks.

• Strong, proven MS skills essential (particularly, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Critical behaviours

These embody our culture and are central to how we work together at SMBC Aviation Capital:

• Respect: Two-way communication: listen intently, give quieter voices a platform and be conscious of tone. Respect people’s time and be flexible in accommodating others.

• Trust: Create a psychologically safe space. Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Be honest, communicate openly and be respectful of each other’s needs.

• Integrity: Always do what is right including when no one is watching; treat people with respect and kindness; be self-aware, compassionate and embrace diversity.

• Connect: Collaborate to unleash the full potential of our diverse talent. Respect each other’s expertise and perspective and welcome challenge. Foster an inclusive and fun environment where accomplishments are recognised and take pride in winning together.

• Adapt: Be brave and curious – anticipate the future and be proactive. Have a ‘why not’ attitude, learn from previous experiences. Call out bureaucracy when it is evident in a process or way of working. Be agile to meet and exceed our customers’ needs. Demonstrate resilience and support each other.

• Achieve: Take accountability and ownership to deliver results, be ambitious and take pride in everything we do. Set each other up for success and share insights. Do what it takes to drive positive change and seek opportunities to innovate and grow our business and people.

Take your career to new heights – come join us at SMBC Aviation Capital

At SMBC Aviation Capital we look after one another. Through the SMBC Aviation Capital People Commitment we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, aligned to your needs as you move through different career and life stages. The SMBC AC People Commitment also includes our people-led culture; reward & recognition; along with our learning, wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, and CSR initiatives. In return, we askyou to bring your ambition and commitment to your work here at SMBC AC to mutually create an exceptional employee experience.

A world of opportunity awaits you at SMBC Aviation Capital. Our workplace is one where diversity is welcome, and people of all backgrounds are supported to be at their best. We are an equal opportunities employer and strive to build an ever-inclusive work environment. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees. Should you have a reasonable accommodation request please reach out to us at [e-mail]