Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nepphew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Senior Counsel, R&D Commercialisation

We are seeking an experienced legal professional to join our Global Commercial Legal team as Senior Counsel supporting R&D Commercialisation. This role acts as a strategic legal partner across R&D, Intellectual Property (IP), and Commercial teams, helping to enable the development, protection, and successful commercialization of innovative products, including digital technologies.

What you will do

• Partner with R&D, IP, Business Development, and Commercial teams to provide strategic legal advice across product development and commercialization activities
• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex agreements, including development, licensing, distribution, supply, and collaboration agreements
• Support global product development and launch initiatives, including new product committees and commercialization strategies
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while enabling business opportunities across global markets
• Contribute to compliance‑by‑design initiatives to ensure alignment with regulatory, trade, and customer requirements
• Review promotional materials and digital content related to new product launches
• Support legal operations through process optimization, contract templates, and training initiatives
• Collaborate on global legal projects and support broader team objectives and strategic initiatives

What you need to succeed

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) from a reputable institution
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another commonwealth jurisdiction
• Approximately 7+ years’ post‑qualification experience
• Experience in commercial contracting and advising on complex agreements
• Experience in healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors is advantageous
• In‑house experience is beneficial but not required
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate legal advice into business impact
• Expertise or interest in IP‑driven transactions, R&D collaboration, or commercialization of scientific innovation
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across global teams
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging senior leaders
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and project management skills

Benefits

• Generous annual bonus and pension schemes
• Share options and car allowance
• Flexible vacation and paid time off
• Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance
• Discounts on gyms, fitness clubs, and other employee discounts

#J-18808-Ljbffr…