Legal Counsel Europe

The role of Legal Counsel Europe at John Crane encompasses a range of legal, commercial, and compliance responsibilities within the John Crane division. This in-house position involves collaborating closely with the Associate General Counsel, EMEA, to provide legal guidance and support to John Crane businesses across Europe. The position primarily focuses on two core areas: (i) proactive management of legal and quasi-legal matters, particularly contracts, spanning the risk spectrum in the European region, and (ii) contributing advice and support to specific strategic initiatives within the Legal function.

A key aspect of this role is gaining a deep understanding of the John Crane business, fostering relationships across all levels of the organization, including senior management and European business teams, to shape strategy and enhance the identification, assessment, and management of legal risk.

The role is based in Muggio, Italy, requiring a presence in the office at least three days per week.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Supporting John Crane Associate General Counsel, EMEA with the day to day management of the John Crane legal function for Europe.
- Being the day-to-day contact for regional legal matters within Europe under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, EMEA - with primary focus on commercial contracting and HR matters. Commercial contracting task entails review, reporting and negotiation with customers of sales contracts, which necessitate robust understanding of Company’s preferred terms and close coordination with internal stakeholders such as sales, engineering, compliance, health and safety.
- Responsibility for routine legal reporting to Associate General Counsel, EMEA and to key stakeholders across John Crane's European businesses.
- Attendance and representation of John Crane Legal function at regional business meetings as and when required.
- Delivering training for John Crane colleagues across our European businesses.
- In coordination with Associate General Counsel, EMEA working closely with the business units to support their material day-to-day needs across the risk spectrum - e.g., business development, commercial, corporate, contract (including with government and government prime/sub-prime contractors; and the ongoing compliance of such contracts), IP, dispute resolution, compliance, international trade, etc. - utilizing Smiths Group Legal resource or external counsel as appropriate. Delivering advice to a high standard, within timeframes required by the business and in a manner that meets commercial needs.
- Developing strong collaborative working relationships with business teams and other key stakeholders.
- Limited amount of travelling to John Crane sites as appropriate.
- Identifying/anticipating risks and opportunities across the John Crane business and helping to drive/foster proactive behaviours and practices.
- Coordinating/supporting other members of the John Crane (and Smiths Group Legal) function as appropriate.
- Supporting the ethics, compliance, and governance processes; fostering and exemplifying a culture of integrity, credibility and best business practices.
- Developing a strong internal network.
- You should note that your title and job description are not exhaustive and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.

**Diversity & Inclusion**

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

**The Individual**
- Holds a law degree from an accredited university or equivalent.
- Licensed to practice law in Italy or another European jurisdiction (advantageous).
- Possesses experience from law firms and/or in-house roles. Ideally with experience in high-tech and industrial/manufacturing operations.
- Has experience in complex commercial contract drafting and negotiation. Able to offer advisory and commercial experience.
- Demonstrates full fluency (spoken and written) in both Italian and English. Additional language skills in French, Spanish, and/or German are a plus.
- Comes from an international business background and has experience obtaining and interpreting local law advice in jurisdictions outside of their home country where qualified.
- Has experience managing risk across a wide spectrum.
- Possesses strong collaboration and influencing skills, able to engage colleagues at all levels inside and outside the legal function to support strategic objectives.
- Embraces a continuous improvement mindset in delivering legal services.

**About Smiths**

**About John Cra