General Counsel

In-house Legal Recruitment Expert at LHHRead on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.General Counsel – Navantia UKLocation: Bristol based (Hybrid with occasional travel requirements)Sector: Defence & MaritimeShape the legal future of an expanding leader in the UK defence and maritime industries.Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish.By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the country.At Navantia UK, we design, build, and support some of the most complex and ambitious defence and maritime projects in the world. From shipbuilding and naval support to advanced engineering, our teams deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the UK’s defence and industrial capabilities.The OpportunityThis is a senior, high‑impact role. As General Counsel, you will join the Executive Board of Navantia UK and provide strategic legal leadership across all areas of the business. You will ensure that decisions and operations meet the highest standards of legal, regulatory and ethical compliance.You will report to the Director of Legal Counsel in Spain and help integrate Navantia Spain’s policies with UK regulatory frameworks. You will also build and develop our UK legal team, while managing relationships with specialist external advisers.Key Focus AreasSenior legal leadership at Executive Board levelOversight of UK legal and regulatory complianceCompany secretarial governanceManagement and development of the in‑house legal teamSupporting commercial negotiations, procurement and project deliveryManaging legal policies, procedures and trainingOverseeing external counsel relationships and legal spendWhat We Are Looking ForSenior legal experience in defence, energy, marine, heavy industry or major infrastructureProven leadership capability in an in‑house legal environmentStrong understanding of UK corporate governance and commercial contractingAbility to combine strategic advice with hands‑on operational supportComfortable working within a multinational organisation and liaising with overseas parent‑company teamsOur ValuesWe are guided by six core principles that shape our culture: Service, Trust, Excellence, Agility, Dedication and You.Why Join Navantia UK?Influence nationally significant defence and energy programmesLead and shape a new in‑house legal functionJoin an international organisation at a pivotal moment of UK expansionWork at the intersection of engineering, innovation and national capabilityApplication InformationThe application deadline for this role is Thursday 18th December 2025All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks. Click here for more information on national security vetting levels.Please note that this opportunity is being managed by LHH Recruitment Solutions and all third‑party applications will be forwarded to the executive search team for consideration. xpwpeyx We encourage all candidates to apply through the designated channels to ensure full consideration.