Legal Counsel

Genus plc; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in the UK seeks a Legal Counsel to provide legal support across the ABS Business unit. The ideal candidate will be legally qualified in the UK and have experience in contract law, drafting, and negotiation. This full-time role involves communication with business customers and external counsel, alongside responsibilities in contract management. The company offers a performance-related bonus, flexible working policy, and extensive development programs.

Benefits

Performance related bonus

25 days holidays + Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Employee share plan

Flexible Working Policy

Enhanced maternity leave

Comprehensive L&D program

Qualifications

• Enough PQE to add value immediately from in-house or private practice.
• Experience in drafting and rolling out legal training.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain focused.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and advice across the ABS Business unit in the UK and EMEA.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Ensure effective communication with internal and external counsel.

Skills

Strong understanding of contract law

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

Legally qualified in the UK to practice as a solicitor

Job description

Legal Counsel

Join to apply for the Legal Counsel role at Genus PLC

Genus PLC is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to sustainably nourish the world.

Role Overview

As Legal Counsel you will provide legal support and advice across the ABS Business unit in the UK and EMEA. Working as part of a small, specialist global team reporting to the Group Assistant General Counsel, you will provide general legal advice, draft and negotiate commercial contracts, analyse commercial risk, and ensure effective communication with relevant business customers and external counsel, as well as support to the Group General Counsel, Genus, as required.

Candidate

• Legally qualified in the UK to practice as a solicitor
• Enough PQE to add value immediately – either from another in‑house legal environment or potentially private practice.
• Strong understanding of contract law and proven experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts.
• Experience in drafting and rolling out legal training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team (in person and virtual setting).
• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain focused.
• Weekly travel to ABS offices in Cheshire to engage with key stakeholders (2 days in the office).

ABS Division

ABS is the world‑leading provider of bovine genetics, reproductive services, technologies and udder care products. Marketed in more than 70 countries, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. We are uniquely positioned as a global player with a dedicated R&D function and an international distribution network.

IntelliGen Technologies

IntelliGen Technologies is the technology within ABS that develops sexed bovine genetics that helps customers maximize their profitability and reach their end goals in a fast and efficient manner.

Our Values

• Collaborate as One Team
• Create Value for Customers
• Innovate with Purpose
• Never stop improving

DEI

Genus is a place where you can be yourself and be part of a growing global team. We have a culture of respect, openness and fairness for all. Whatever your background, your role or your area of work, you will have the chance to thrive in an environment that inspires, challenges and supports you to succeed.

Tackling climate change

• Monitor and identify goals for the reduction of our GHG emissions from our own operations.
• Drive porcine and bovine genetic improvements which support productivity gains and improve feed efficiency, enabling a reduction in the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk or meat produced.
• Identify facility and other opportunities for reductions in GHG emissions, consistent with our goals.
• Partner and advocate for policies that advance positive climate goals and identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Benefits Overview

• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holidays + Bank Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee share plan
• Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate/practicable)
• Enhanced maternity leave 12 weeks at full pay followed by 4 weeks at 50% followed by SMP
• Comprehensive L&D program including career development programs, access to Genus University and Mango (languages)

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti‑discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Recruitment Fraud Warning

Neither Florit Legal nor Genus plc will ever ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact our retained consultant Miguel Florit in the first instance, or the Genus Talent Acquisition team.

This recruitment assignment is being handled exclusively by Miguel Florit of our retained consultants, Florit Legal, and all direct or third‑party applications will be forwarded to him for consideration.

Where Florit Legal advertisements make reference to PQE this is purely as a guide. All candidates will be considered on merit. By submitting a job application to Florit Legal, you consent to us storing your personal data, whether it is provided by you direct or collected by us from publicly available sources. In order for us to carry out ongoing recruitment services on your behalf, you consent to your data being retained after this application process has ended in accordance with our Privacy Notice. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Legal

Industries

Legal Services, Law Practice, and Biotechnology Research