Taylor Root is retained by a global leader in optical design and manufacturing, working with cutting-edge technology across life sciences, aerospace & defence industries. With a strong legacy, they continue to push the boundaries of innovation.The Board is looking to appoint a Group General Counsel & Company Secretary to lead the legal and governance function in this newly created key leadership role. Our client is open to an experienced or step up candidate looking for their next career move.About the RoleActing as a trusted advisor to the C-Suite and Board, you will provide comprehensive legal support and strategic direction across all areas of the business globally. You will influence key business decisions as they look to grow in the UK and internationally.Key ResponsibilitiesGeneral Counsel

• Provide pragmatic legal guidance to the Board and senior leadership on commercial, corporate, employment and regulatory matters to proactively support business goals.
• Horizon scanning and leading on complex legal matters impacting various areas of the business in the UK and globally.
• Oversee all contract negotiations, M&A, compliance, and risk management activities.
• Monitor regulatory developments, ensuring the business remains compliant with evolving legal frameworks.
• Manage litigation, disputes, and intellectual property matters, engaging external legal counsel where appropriate.
• Support internal teams with training and guidance on legal risks and obligations.
• Manage a small contracts manager team.

Company Secretary

• Ensure best-practice corporate governance, managing Board and Committee meetings, agendas, and reporting.
• Oversee compliance with UK Corporate Governance Code and LSE AIM Listing Rules.
• Support shareholder communications and manage the Group's Annual General Meeting.
• Ensure statutory filings and regulatory requirements are met across all jurisdictions.

Who You Are

• Ideally you will be 10-15+ PQE with experience in both private practice and in-house roles.
• You must have experience working in-house in a related industry - manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, defence or heavy industry preferred.
• Strong expertise in commercial, corporate, and employment law.
• Proven ability to provide both strategic counsel and hands-on legal support.
• Ideally experience working with listed companies (AIM or similar) and corporate governance frameworks.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills with a range of stakeholders including Chairman, Board and sales teams.
• Self-starter with ability to work with autonomy

This is an excellent opportunity to build and shape the legal function of a dynamic, growing business. If you're an experienced legal professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our .CompanyEstablished in 1989, Taylor Root is widely recognised as one of the world's leading legal recruitment agencies.Global reachOur specialist consultants match professionals and employers across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Our extensive global network and unrivalled reach allows us to source exceptional talent with law firms and in-house legal teams.Specialist expertsOur expert recruiters can assist your job search in:- Law firms: we have established relationships in place with international law firms as well as regional, domestic and boutique practices- In-house legal: we connect in-house legal professionals with employers of choice across all sectors, from non-qualified legal roles to GCs and CLOs- Risk: from entry-level Analyst through to Chief Risk officer, we assist risk professionals with their next career move- Compliance: we help data protection, ethics and governance specialists to find roles across a variety of industries- Internal audit: we match leading employers with talented internal audit professionals, from junior Auditors to Heads of Audit- Company secretarial: we support Company Secretaries, from trainees to senior-level candidates, with finding the best possible role- Interim: from fixed-term contracts through to day rates and project-based assignments, we place interim professionals across the above specialismsA tailored approachTogether with our extensive sector knowledge and established networks, our consultants' success is underpinned by a commitment to excellence and a bespoke approach to each placement.Employers and candidates return to us time and again, and we're proud to outperform traditional search firms on agility, service excellence and strategic consultancy.We are delighted to connect the best legal, risk and compliance talent with leading businesses and law firms. For more information, contact your nearest office.Company info WebsiteShare this jobApply for General Counsel and Company SecretaryAlready uploaded your CV? to apply instantlyFields marked with an asterisk (*) are requiredFirst name requiredLast name requiredWhat is your email address? requiredYour CV requiredYour file must be a .doc, .pdf, .docx, or .rtf. No larger than 1MBDrag and dropChoose a fileSelected file: Remove fileAdd a cover message requiredEmail me similar jobs when they become available Your communication preferencesI'd like to receive emails about jobs and services from The Lawyer JobsI'd like to receive emails from third partiesWhen you apply for a job we will send your application to the named employer, who may contact you. By applying for a job listed on The Lawyer Jobs you agree to our and . You should never be required to provide bank account details. If you are, please . All emails will contain a link in the footer to enable you to unsubscribe at any time.Send applicationSave jobClick to add the job to your shortlistYou need to or to save a job.Get job alertsCreate a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.xc2xa9 2011 - 2025 Centaur Media Plc. Powered by Madgex Job Board TechnologyTheLawyer.com Limited
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