Legal and Compliance Officer

Location:                        Waterbeach, UK
Department:                   Commercial
Reports to:                     Commercial Director
Type:                               Full-time, Permanent
 
Company Profile
Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Role Overview
Thermoteknix is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Legal & Compliance Officer to oversee and support the company’s legal, regulatory and compliance activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring robust governance frameworks, managing legal risk and maintaining compliance across global operations.
 
Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, HR and commercial teams, the role combines hands-on legal work with broader responsibility for compliance programmes, policies and risk management.
 
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including:
  • Supply and procurement agreements
  • Distribution and reseller agreements
  • NDAs and confidentiality agreements
  • Licensing and technology transfer agreements
  • Service and consultancy agreements
• Oversee contract lifecycle management and maintain accurate contract records
• Support commercial teams in contract negotiations and risk assessment

 
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Lead and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including:
  1. Data protection and privacy (e.g., GDPR)
  2. Export control and trade compliance
  3. Corporate governance and regulatory requirements
• Develop, implement and monitor internal compliance policies and procedures
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and audits
• Deliver training and guidance to staff on compliance matters

 
Legal Risk Management

• Provide practical, business-focused legal advice across the organisation
• Identify legal and compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Support dispute resolution and manage litigation matters where required
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct

 
HR & Employment Law Support

• Advise HR on employment law matters, including:
  • Employment contracts and policies
  • Employee relations, disciplinary and grievance processes
• Ensure HR practices align with current legal and regulatory requirements

 
Intellectual Property Support

• Support the management and protection of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including:
  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Trade secrets
• Liaise with external counsel on filings, renewals and IP strategy

 
External Legal Counsel Management

• Manage relationships with external legal advisors
• Coordinate legal advice and ensure cost-effective use of external counsel
• Act as the primary interface between internal stakeholders and law firms

 
Corporate Governance

• Support corporate governance activities, including:
  • Board and committee documentation
  • Corporate filings and statutory compliance
  • Maintenance of company records and registers
• Assist in developing and improving governance frameworks

 
Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, sales, procurement, finance, and HR teams
• Provide clear, practical legal and compliance guidance to non-legal stakeholders
• Support business operations while safeguarding legal and regulatory integrity

 
Required Experience 

• 5+ years experience in:
  • Commercial law
  • Compliance, risk or regulatory environments
  • Technology or manufacturing sector preferred
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
• Proven experience in compliance programme development or oversight
• Understanding of legal and compliance frameworks (including GDPR)
• Knowledge of export controls and international trade regulations
• Excellent legal drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences

 
Desirable Experience

• Experience in defence, technology or advanced engineering sectors
• Familiarity with intellectual property law and portfolio management
• Experience working with international distributors and partners
• Exposure to internal audits, compliance training or ESG frameworks
• 
  

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.