Senior Counsel, Global R&D Commercial

Senior Counsel, Global Commercial (R&D Commercialisation)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.   

We are seeking an experienced legal professional to join our Global Commercial Legal team as Senior Counsel supporting R&D Commercialisation. This role acts as a strategic legal partner across R&D, Intellectual Property (IP), and Commercial teams, helping to enable the development, protection, and successful commercialization of innovative products, including digital technologies.

You will play a key role in managing legal risk, supporting global collaborations, and advising on complex commercial transactions across multiple business units.

What will you be doing?

• Partner with R&D, IP, Business Development, and Commercial teams to provide strategic legal advice across product development and commercialization activities
• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex agreements, including development, licensing, distribution, supply, and collaboration agreements
• Support global product development and launch initiatives, including new product committees and commercialization strategies
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while enabling business opportunities across global markets
• Contribute to compliance-by-design initiatives to ensure alignment with regulatory, trade, and customer requirements
• Review promotional materials and digital content related to new product launches
• Support legal operations through process optimization, contract templates, and training initiatives
• Collaborate on global legal projects and support broader team objectives and strategic initiatives

What will you need to succeed?

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) from a reputable institution

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another commonwealth jurisdiction
• Approximately 7+ years’ post-qualification experience
• Experience in commercial contracting and advising on complex agreements
• Experience in healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors is advantageous
• In-house experience is beneficial but not required
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate legal advice into business impact
• Expertise or interest in IP-driven transactions, R&D collaboration, or commercialization of scientific innovation

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across global teams
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging senior leaders
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and project management skills

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our Strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.

Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (www.smith-nephew.com)

Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options, and a car allowance.

Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!

Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.

Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customised, Mentorship.

Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes and many other Employee discounts.