Senior Legal Counsel

About the Role

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel - International Operations

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.

Note: This description excludes non-essential items and extraneous postings not relevant to the role.