Commercial Legal Advisor – German Speaking

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Commercial Legal Advisor – German Speaking

[Fixed term/Mat cover – 12 months]

Illumina is a global biotechnology company leading the way in genomics through innovative sequencing and array technologies whilst fueling groundbreaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics. Illumina is currently looking for a highly commercial and pragmatic Commercial Legal Advisor with professional competence in German language to join our talented, multilingual, and multijurisdictional legal team to provide high-quality, business-oriented legal support.

This role is a high-profile role for our German-speaking and Nordic markets, which are mission critical and highly performing, where you will play a key role in advancing negotiations and closing transactions.

By joining Illumina as a Commercial Legal Advisor in our European head office in Cambridge, UK, you will partner with and support the commercial organisation, and provide transactional, public procurement and other legal advice and support.

You may be qualified with 2-3 years post-qualification experience or 5 years of relevant legal experience as a Commercial Legal Advisor, ideally in the life sciences or tech sectors.   For this role it is essential that you are fluent in business German and have worked in a similar role.  This role can be based in our Cambridge office, with candidates working remotely up to 2 days per week.

Alternatively, the role could be based in another European country, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, or Austria.

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassionate time off, and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, lifestyle allowance, volunteer time off, and much more!

Why You:

You are looking for the next challenge in your career as a Commercial Legal Advisor in an in-house legal team. You are a self-starter with the ability to work independently and in a team and manage numerous matters and competing priorities effectively. You are able to grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts. A strong understanding of contract/commercial law and public procurement is highly desirable for this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Building excellent relationships based on trust and collaborating with internal clients and external customers.
• Providing administrative and legal support and advice in respect of the review, drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts for the sale of goods and services, tender documents, and software licensing/cloud terms, with minimal instruction or supervision.
• Assisting with the routing/data inputting related to purchase orders, including carrying out related checks and confirming relevant approvals are in place.
• Analysing problems and spotting issues and escalating as necessary to senior attorneys/management.
• Managing customer contracts database and ensuring proper archives are maintained.
• Assisting with department specific projects.

Required Experience and Skills:

• A law degree with solid academic credentials AND
• Current license to practise as a lawyer in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, or Austria, including 2-3 years post qualification experience, OR
• 5 years of relevant legal experience in the life sciences or tech sectors.
• Native fluency in German and proficiency in English required, other foreign language skills preferred (but not required).
• A strong understanding of contract law and experience negotiating commercial transactions.
• Well organised and proactive. Logical and process-minded with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to develop relationships at all levels.

Primary Location: Cambridge, UK.

Alternative locations: Netherlands, Belgium, Austria

Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.