Senior Legal Counsel (Permanent) - Galway, Cork or Clonmel
We are looking for a skilled and adaptable Senior Legal Counsel to join our client's Legal & Compliance department and support its growing manufacturing operations across Ireland. This is a standalone role which will provide expert local advice to the commercial UK&I Counsel and partner with business stakeholders to navigate legal challenges and achieve commercial goals in line with the company values. The role reports into the EMEA Head of Legal in France and you will be joining a Legal and Compliance team of 40 people across the EMEA region.
You will provide guidance on a broad range of legal matters, including customer and supplier agreements, real estate transactions, compliance issues, confidentiality, internal investigations, and more. Collaboration with the Global Legal team on areas such as employment, data protection, company law, ESG, litigation, and regulatory/quality issues will be key.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational legal advice to leadership at our client's three Irish manufacturing sites, delivering practical, solution-focused guidance and risk analysis.
- Support the Indirect Sourcing team in negotiating and finalising high-value supplier agreements for a variety of services and equipment.
- Collaborate with Facilities and Site Services teams on real estate matters, including land and building acquisitions, lease/license negotiations, and planning applications.
- Work closely with the Global Compliance team and local Compliance Specialists to drive and enforce our Compliance Program in Ireland.
- Address employment law issues and collaborate with the Global employment law team and/or external counsel to find solutions.
- Provide counsel on internal investigations, including matters related to legal professional privilege.
- Partner with the Global Legal team on M&A/integrations, data protection, ESG, product liability, and regulatory/quality matters.
- Develop and maintain efficient legal processes, templates, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Stay up to date with relevant legal developments, sharing insights with colleagues through training and communication.
- Participate in special change projects and regional or global initiatives.
- Manage and instruct external counsel in a cost-effective manner.
Education & Experience:
- Qualified to practice law in Ireland with at least 7 years of post-qualification experience in a relevant legal role.
- Experience in the manufacturing/automotive/pharma/life sciences or related industries, sourcing, and procurement is essential.
- Experience in other regulated sectors is advantageous but not a requirement.
- Comfortable working directly with senior business leaders and high-energy, innovative teams.
- Self-starter who can make independent decisions and operate autonomously.
- Clear and concise communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong ability to prioritise and manage a demanding workload.
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive workplace culture.
- Willingness to travel to all three Irish sites as needed, with occasional international travel.
