Nissan

Who are we?

Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 17,000 staff across locally based Design, Research & Development, Manufacturing, Logistics, Purchasing and Sales & Marketing operations. Total production in the UK alone is now over 9 million vehicles including award-winning crossovers, commercial vehicles and the Nissan LEAF, the world’s most popular electric vehicle.

We are an aspiring organisation, and we are looking for equally bold and creative Legal Advisor to join our established team. Nissan is positioned to become the most desirable Asian brand in Europe, and we need your help to get there.

Purpose

We are seeking a Legal Advisor to be based at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Cranfield to support core NTCE and R&D legal work. The scope has been re-prioritised to remove previous support areas (e.g., HR and Real Estate) and to focus on core areas plus evolving priority areas (e.g., R&D significant projects; Regulatory and key supplier issues affecting the business).

Working at the heart of the European business, you will support the Legal Section Manager on general legal matters within the scope of the team. This role is an exciting opportunity to work cross functionally with our European business partners to provide first class legal services support on a broad range of issues, primarily, purchasing and research and development matters. A motivation to work in a dynamic and fast-moving department is essential. This role offers exposure to senior staff within Nissan Europe from an early stage.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Review, negotiation and drafting of complex and high value commercial contracts including OEM agreements, supply of equipment and services, outsourcing and IT agreements.
• Supporting on supplier insolvency issues.
• Review, negotiation and drafting of research and development agreements and grant funding applications.
• Assisting key stakeholders with ongoing contract management across the full range of activities relating to the business.
• Developing and delivering legal training to key business functions.
• Instructing and managing legal matters with external legal counsel.
• Coordinating team responses for objectives tracking and for reporting to the Executive. General meeting support for other team members.
• Providing first class legal expertise on all matters relating to the automotive business.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

The Legal Advisor should have the following skills or experience:

• This role would suit a junior lawyer with experience of commercial contracts and intellectual property law. Knowledge of working in an in-house environment is preferred.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Highly organised with a high attention to detail.
• Proactive; enthusiastic approach to work; self-motivating; confident and effective communicator comfortable working both in a team and independently.
• Confident with gaining commitment and trust from key stakeholders.
• Comfortable using initiative and taking a solution focussed approach to problem solving (must be able to know when to obtain support, advice and input from peers and management, where required).
• Displays a willingness to learn.
• Resilience is necessary; must be able to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Qualified lawyer (England and Wales).
• Degree qualification at 2:1.
• IT literate, competent user of all Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• English, fluent written and verbal language skills

What we offer

• Competitive base salary
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Contributory pension
• Private medical & dental cover
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Remote Working Policy (2 Days per week)
• Flexible start / finish times
• Working hours Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm -early finish Friday
• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant

We offer competitive salaries dependent on the experience you bring and will pay you for any overtime you work over your contracted 39 hours per week.

What’s more, we think you’ll like working with us because of our valued culture. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business; we want you to challenge the norm and contribute to improvement whether you’ve been here ten days or ten years, so apply now to join NTCE!

All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Cranfield Bedfordshire United Kingdom