General Counsel & Company Secretary
Somerset (2-3 days in office)
About our client
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 Role
Acting 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 Responsibilities
General 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.