Overview

Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial) UK, Permanent • Hybrid role

Location options: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, or Alderley Park, Cheshire. Hours: 40 hours per week. Salary: Competitive, dependent on skills and experience, with excellent benefits and annual bonuses.

Role reporting: Direct Report to Head of Legal, Drug Discovery.

Company: Evotec

Job type: Permanent, Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Support Evotec’s Commercial, R&D and Operations functions on day-to-day legal and commercial matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate and approve a wide range of contracts (e.g., master services agreements, collaboration agreements, amendments, novations, single service agreements, supply agreements, license agreements, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, and work orders).
• Provide comprehensive legal support throughout the lifecycle of commercial agreements and act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders.
• Offer pragmatic, solutions-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Identify, assess and manage legal risks across jurisdictions, balancing business needs.
• Prepare and review standard operating procedures, contract templates, policies, training materials, and contribute to process improvements within the legal team.
• Assist in resolving contractual disputes and claims, including collaboration with external counsel where necessary.

Education & Experience

• Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or other European jurisdiction) with 5+ years PQE.
• In-house and/or private practice experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector with a track record of continuing professional development.
• Clear, confident, collaborative communication style with ability to influence across functional, geographic, and cultural boundaries.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and attention to accuracy in contractual and legal documents.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, delivering results within tight timelines and changing priorities.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience handling complex matters under pressure while maintaining quality output.

Benefits & Perks

• Pension contributions (employee 6% via salary sacrifice; employer 6%; option to increase contributions up to 7.5%) after probation.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with length-of-service days up to 30 days.
• Private health insurance (BUPA) for employee and partner/family under the company scheme.
• Private dental cover after 3 months of service.
• Life assurance at four times base salary.
• Wellbeing support 24/7 and counselling services.
• Permanent health insurance at 75% of base salary after qualifying period.
• Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme (discretionary).
• Career progression opportunities, training and professional development support.
• Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and more.

Onsite Facilities

• On-site parking and discounted gym.
• Subsidised restaurant with breakfast and lunch options.
• Good public transport links with bus service.

How to Apply

Apply now by uploading your up-to-date CV and cover letter to Workday.

Location details and further job postings in the area may be listed separately; refer to Evotec’s job postings for updates.