Legal Counsel – 18 month FTC

Opportunity

This fixed-term Legal Counsel, Manufacturing & Supply Chain position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, covering a maternity leave for the European/APAC legal business partner. The role will work closely with the US-based legal colleague and key business stakeholders. No line management responsibilities, but supervision of paralegal/trainee support may be required.

Role Responsibilities

• Communicate with legal colleagues and internal stakeholders across DMS, Compliance, Procurement, Finance and Tax.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts, including contract manufacturing agreements, supply‑chain and procurement contracts, CAPEX contracts, warehousing and logistics contracts, distribution of goods contracts, service contracts (MSAs and NDAs).
• Deal with early‑stage disputes.
• Instruct and manage external advisors.
• Assist GC, Assistant GCs and Senior Legal Counsels with timely, commercially focused legal support across the Dechra Group.
• Contribute to internal training and knowledge base; maintain standard contract templates and forms.
• Engage with the team’s CLM system and use AI to support legal processes.
• Maintain personal health & safety.
• Provide guidance to junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified lawyer with on‑the‑job in‑house experience.
• Right to work and to practice law in England & Wales (authorised by the SRA).
• Experience resolving legal issues and providing strategic, well‑reasoned solutions.
• Strong negotiation, communication, drafting and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial law experience, particularly with manufacture of finished goods and underlying component supply contracts.
• Ability to translate complex laws and regulations into practical, business‑oriented advice.
• Collaborative working with stakeholders and business partners.
• Experience working as part of a global team.
• Organisational and time‑management skills to balance multiple projects across time zones.
• Self‑starter, independent but a team player.
• Risk‑anticipation and proactive planning.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Additional Information

• Occasional global travel may be required.
• Role based in Northwich / hybrid.

What we can offer you

• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Discretionary bonus
• Discounted pet food

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