General Counsel UK and Ireland

Location: Addlestone, England, United Kingdom

We Elevate... Quality of urban life

Our elevators, escalators, and moving walks safely transport more than two billion of us up and down buildings and across transportation hubs every day. As part of the Schindler team, you’ll discover meaningful work that enhances quality of life for communities, and contribute to making places more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for all. We combine innovation, safety, and high ethical standards, ensuring respect both among colleagues and for the world around us. By joining us, you don’t just become part of our success story; you help shape the future and continue our rich legacy that started back in 1874.

Join us as a

General Counsel UK and Ireland

The General Counsel serves as both a strategic adviser and a protector of the company’s interests, supporting all business units, including local subsidiaries. This role provides high-quality legal and strategic guidance to all levels of management, enabling them to achieve their operational and strategic objectives while fostering a culture of ethical conduct and legal compliance. The General Counsel also plays a key role in developing talent, managing legal risks and opportunities, and driving continuous improvement across the organisation.

Your Main Responsibilities

• Implement comprehensive assessment of legal risks and opportunities, as well as practical measure to mitigate risks and capture opportunities identified
• Manage contract reviews and contentious matters related to UK and Ireland
• Manage corporate housekeeping in UK and Ireland
• Assume the function of a compliance officer for UK and Ireland (incl. trainings on compliance matters for management and employees)
• Provide advice to a wide range of internal stakeholders (Managing Director, Area Management, Branch Managers, etc.)
• Manage relations to local authorities and government
• Network with, instruct and supervise external law firms
• Monitor new legislation and legal trends
• Train and advise management and employees on compliance matters as well as on new legal trends and new legislation
• Foster a strong working relationship with the Global Legal and Compliance team regarding Group and Zone related projects, transactions and risk topics
• Management of Legal Counsel

What You Bring

• Law school graduate and qualified solicitor; postgraduate degree (LL.M. or MBA) is of advantage
• A minimum of 5 years PQE
• Extensive experience in commercial and corporate law, ideally also in construction law and litigation / arbitration
• Proven senior level credibility to build relationship and advise senior management
• Proven track record in managing complex contracts and projects in an international environment
• Demonstrated ability to make commercially astute decisions and take clear position on complex issues
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of leading from the front and motivating others

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary with a discretionary annual bonus
• Company car or allowance (for eligible roles)
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, and an annual paid volunteering day
• Pension scheme with 6% company contribution
• Comprehensive life assurance
• Enhanced family leave
• Private medical cover with a trusted provider, plus 24/7 virtual GP access
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support
• Free eye tests and eyewear discounts
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including Tech and Cycle to Work schemes, plus exclusive retailer discounts

We Elevate… Your Career

Become part of our team, help us enhance quality of life and drive innovation while raising the bar for safety and sustainability. We value your diverse skills and perspectives as together we shape the sustainable cities of today and tomorrow.

Are you ready to embark on a new journey? Join #TeamSchindler!

Discover more on our career website.

At Schindler Group we value inclusion and diversity, and practise equity to create equal opportunities for all. We endeavour that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnic background, colour, religious affiliation, union affiliation, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, nationality, genetics and health or disability.

Any unsolicited application from Recruitment Agencies is deemed to be rejected and does not constitute in any manner an offer from a Recruitment Agency.