Senior Counsel

Senior Counsel

Solihull

The Company

GKN Aerospace is the world's leading tier one multi-technology aerospace supplier. Founded in 1759 and with a rich history in innovation, GKN Aerospace are industry leaders in the manufacture of high value composite and metallic aero-structures and engine products.

GKN Aerospace is organised into three divisions: Civil Airframes, Engines and Defence. With 18,000 employees operating across circa 50 manufacturing sites in 15 different countries, the business' technology is used throughout the aerospace industry on a global scale.

The company are at an exciting point in their history having completed a landmark year and with 95% of revenues generated from North American and European markets in 2018, the business is looking to expand its presence in the rest of the world and GKN Aerospace are well placed for growth due to their focus on Asian markets, increased aerospace spending and diverse customer base.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Counsel for GKN Aerospace's Operations & Central Functions to deputise for the newly appointed Head of Legal of Operations & Central functions. You will be working alongside the Head of Legal and wider team providing guidance to the business' circa 50 manufacturing operations sites as well as Central Functions (Finance, IT, HR).

It is a global role (with travel) but your main office will be at Blythe Valley, Solihull. The majority of the work comes from the US and European markets with increasingly more work from Asia as the business expands.

The work you will cover includes:

• reviews of major procurement contracts to disputes;
• any operational matters ranging from Governance & Compliance to Environment matters;
• M&A, Employment, Product Safety, Investigations, Compliance/Export Control, Audit, and Real Estate.

You will also support the Head of Legal in functional activities including reporting, people management, stakeholder management, training, policies and processes and best practice sharing.

The Person

Ideally you will be an experienced In-house lawyer who has held a generalist position. You will be at least 7 PQE and have experience in the manufacturing sector. You may be seeking a step into a global organisation and step up in the quality and diversity of work.

You will be commercial and pragmatic - having advised on complex business issues.

You will be a technically strong lawyer with the ability to prioritise key issues. You will have a track record of being an influencer and an effective relationship builder. You will be comfortable working outside your legal remit when required and have the ability to be a true 'counsel' to the business - displaying a high level of emotional intelligence. You will be comfortable deputising for the Head of Legal and handling significant matters.

The Package

On offer is a generous package, with bonus, car allowance and pension.

GKN Aerospace offers an incomparable environment for an In-house lawyer. The quality and variety of work is incredibly high. If you are an individual who has a desire to be part of a new legal team, to help shape a Legal and Compliance function, to be in a business that is at the cutting edge and essentially be somewhere you can make a difference then this is the opportunity for you.

This role is exclusively retained to Neelam Morris at BCL Legal. Any direct or third party applicants will be forward to BCL Legal.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.