Senior Legal Counsel

Newpark Resources Inc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global energy company is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel for its Manchester office. The ideal candidate will be a licensed attorney with extensive experience in international law, particularly in contracts and compliance. Key responsibilities include managing legal agreements, supporting compliance programs, and ensuring regulatory adherence across numerous jurisdictions. The position offers a dynamic work environment and the chance to contribute significantly to the organization's legal framework.

Benefits

Key role in shaping legal support

Dynamic international working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience in an international legal environment.
• Familiarity with EU, US, Middle Eastern, and international regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage complex international matters.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate various legal agreements.
• Support the global compliance program and conduct internal investigations.
• Draft and manage governance documents.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with applicable laws.

Skills

Strong drafting

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Licensed attorney in US, EU, or Middle Eastern jurisdiction

Job description

About the Role

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel - International Operations

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated attorney to join our legal team in Manchester. The successful candidate will be a US-, EU-, or Middle East–licensed lawyer with a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience. This role requires a versatile practitioner who can work independently to support a wide range of legal matters across our operations in the Eastern Hemisphere, with a focus on contracts, compliance, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and regulatory matters. Newpark conducts business and has ongoing operations in over twenty countries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed attorney admitted in the United States, European Union, or a Middle Eastern jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in an international or cross-border legal environment. Broad experience across commercial contracts, litigation management, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Familiarity with EU, US, Middle Eastern, and international regulatory frameworks, including REACH and sanctions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and provide pragmatic business-focused advice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous in-house counsel experience in a multinational organization, with experience in oil and gas related industries highly preferred
• Experience with chemicals, industrial services, or logistics sectors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex international matters.
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Management
  • Review, draft, and negotiate customer contracts, vendor agreements, property leases, equipment rental agreements, distributor/agent agreements, and subcontractor arrangements.
  • Provide risk assessments and pragmatic solutions to support commercial objectives.
  • Manage international litigation and disputes, including third-party contract disputes, employment-related claims, and personal injury/property damage claims.
  • Coordinate with external counsel and advise management on strategy and resolution.
• Compliance
  • Support the global compliance program by reviewing third-party due diligence reports, delivering compliance training to employees and partners, and conducting internal investigations.
  • Advise management on anti-bribery, corruption, and other compliance matters.
• Corporate Governance
  • Draft and manage powers of attorney, authorization letters, and related governance documents.
  • Support annual corporate filings, board meeting preparations, and documentation for intercompany financing (e.g., loans, dividends).
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Provide legal support to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including REACH, export controls, sanctions, and laws governing the transport of chemical products.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping legal support for a global business.
• Dynamic, international working environment with exposure to senior leadership.

Successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United Kingdom. Newpark will not sponsor employment.