Senior Lawyer (Regulatory and Compliance)

Job Description:

Your Impact

Leonardo’s UK Corporate Legal Affairs (CLA) team provide support in making sure that Leonardo UK operates effectively and efficiently.  The CLA teams’ responsibilities support all of the UK business units and divisions covering a diverse range of activity; essentially any legal or corporate task that is not managed by the commercial lawyers is provided by the CLA team. 

Leonardo’s products and services range from high-energy military lasers, to cyber and physical security solutions, through to the design manufacture and supply of rotary aircraft available for commercial, public utility, security and defence applications.

The Corporate Legal Affairs team currently has a need for an experienced (4+ PQE) solicitor or barrister to join our team, where you will play a pivotal role in the Company processes ensuring that our operations continuously adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards and regulatory requirements (both in the UK and overseas), particularly corporate criminal offences, health and safety, and product compliance.  You will  provide advice to cross-functional teams, have frequent engagement directly with senior UK stakeholders, liaising with the relevant specialist functions at the HQ level (Italy) as appropriate, and contribute to the success of projects that have a lasting impact on national security and cutting-edge technology. Your expertise and dedication will contribute to our continuous commitment to safe, compliant and ethical conduct, safeguarding our reputation as a trusted industry leader in the UK and internationally.

Location – South West site (Yeovil or Bristol) preferred, with ad hoc travel to London and occasional travel to other UK sites and overseas.  The company has adopted a flexible working model with a mix of onsite and remote working offered as the norm.

What you'll do

• Working with and advising the legal teams on regulatory matters, including corporate criminal offences, health and safety and product compliance;
• Providing legal support across the business to investigations into regulatory and criminal matters;
• Support the business in all aspects of product safety/health and safety matters;
• Advising the company, including senior leaders and directors, on regulatory risk, corporate and director liability exposure, and statutory duties arising from health and safety and regulatory obligations; and
• Providing commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice and services to internal stakeholders.
• In connection with the above:
  • Advising on dealing with regulators and government bodies, including advising on the stipulations of a particular regulator and meeting industry regulatory requirements;
  • Actively support the Company’s leadership in preparing and submitting regulatory reports, filings, and disclosures as required by relevant authorities.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation to demonstrate compliance efforts;
  • Working collaboratively as a recognised legal expert, integrated in a multi-disciplinary team or standing committee as applicable, including liaising with and advising senior management;
  • Monitoring and keeping up to date with legislative changes and relevant case law and being responsible for communicating bespoke and practical advice to colleagues both within the Legal, Corporate Legal Affairs and Compliance teams, and to colleagues generally within the business as applicable; and
  • Leading and assisting with wider business and ad-hoc legal activities as required.
• Supporting the broader Corporate Legal Affairs and Compliance teams providing advice on regulatory matters including health and safety, criminal law and investigations;
• Developing consistent and credible strategies to assess and manage relevant regulatory legal risks, and working collaboratively across stakeholder networks in Leonardo UK to implement them; and
• Interpreting and analysing current and proposed laws / regulations.

What you'll bring

• English or Scots Qualified Lawyer; we are looking for candidates with 4+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE);
• A strong background in regulatory and compliance law, with proven experience in implementation of statutory requirements, investigations, enforcement action and regulatory defence, with a good understanding of corporate liability, director’s duties and organisation accountability;
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex legal and regulatory issues, assess risks, and provide practical solutions that align with business goals;
• Strong drive to support the business and add value to the services the Corporate Legal Affairs team deliver;
• Experience of working with or for a regulator would be advantageous but not essential. 
• Experience of UK security regulations would be advantageous but not essential.
• Experience of UK flight safety regulations would be advantageous but not essential.
• Experience of GDPR and data protection would be advantageous but not essential.
• Familiarity with the defence, aviation, manufacturing, or technology sectors is advantageous but not essential.  Intellectual curiosity for it is, however, essential;
• We are keen to hear from candidates in private practice, the public sector, or in-house.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Additional Locations:

GB - Basildon, GB - Edinburgh, GB - London, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300, GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid