We're looking for an experienced commercial lawyer to join our Global Legal team as a Senior Counsel, Global Commercial (Operations & R&D Commercialisation). In this highly visible role, you'll partner with leaders across R&D, Intellectual Property, Procurement, Manufacturing Operations, Business Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Privacy, Information Security, and Commercial teams to support the development, commercialization, and supply of innovative medical technologies.
What will you be doing?As a trusted legal advisor, you will play a critical role in supporting the full product lifecycle, helping bring innovative medical technologies from concept to market while managing legal risk and enabling strategic growth. You will:
- Serve as a key legal business partner to R&D, Intellectual Property, Procurement, Manufacturing Operations, and Business Development teams.
- Advise on the commercialization of new products, technologies, and global R&D initiatives.
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including:
- Development agreements
- Licensing agreements
- Manufacturing and supply agreements
- Distribution agreements
- Strategic collaboration agreements
- Support initiatives related to product development, launch excellence, compliance-by-design, and supply chain protection.
- Provide legal guidance on intellectual property, commercial strategy, and global operations projects.
- Contribute to the development of legal processes, contract templates, playbooks, and training programs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across regions and functions to enable business objectives while ensuring effective risk management.
- Law degree (LLB or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Approximately 8+ years of post-qualification legal experience.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate independently and provide strategic legal advice to senior leaders.
- In-house legal experience.
- Experience supporting healthcare, life sciences, medical device, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or technology organizations.
- Knowledge of product development, intellectual property commercialization, supply chains, academic or clinical collaborations, and strategic partnerships.
- Experience working in complex, global business environments.
You are a commercially minded legal professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. You bring sound judgment, strong business acumen, and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives. You enjoy partnering with diverse stakeholders, influencing decision-making, and driving practical solutions that support innovation and growth.
You. Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our Strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (www.smith-nephew.com)
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options, and a car allowance.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customised, Mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes and many other Employee discounts.
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Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.
Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.
Skills Required
- 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 ability to translate legal advice into business impact
- 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
Smith & Nephew Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Smith & Nephew and has not been reviewed or approved by Smith & Nephew.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision plans are paired with a global mental‑health program for employees and families, indicating a robust core health package.
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Retirement Support — U.S. employees have access to a 401(k) with company contributions, and share plans complement long‑term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous holiday, paid volunteering leave, and flexible work models point to broad time‑off options.
Smith & Nephew Insights
What We Do
Smith+Nephew is a global medical technology company. We design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We support healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility, helping them to perform at their fullest potential. From our first employee and founder, T.J. Smith, to our team today, it’s our people who make Smith+Nephew a unique place. Yes, we love to innovate and develop exciting technologies, and we offer competitive salaries and progressive benefits. But it’s our culture - of Care, Collaboration and Courage - that really sets us apart. Through a spirit of ownership and can-do attitude, we work together to win.. We’re a company of people who care about each other, about our customers and their patients, and about our communities. Together, we fulfill our shared purpose of Life Unlimited. Please note: not all products referred to may be approved for use or available in all markets.
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