Legal Counsel Europe

Location : EMEA, Italy, Muggio - Ref : JOHNCRANEEMEA02153 - Division : John Crane - Job Function : Legal and Compliance

Job Description

The role of Legal Counsel Europe at John Crane encompasses a range of legal, commercial, and compliance responsibilities within the John Crane division. This in-house position involves collaborating closely with the Associate General Counsel, EMEA, to provide legal guidance and support to John Crane businesses across Europe. The position primarily focuses on two core areas: (i) proactive management of legal and quasi-legal matters, particularly contracts, spanning the risk spectrum in the European region, and (ii) contributing advice and support to specific strategic initiatives within the Legal function.

A key aspect of this role is gaining a deep understanding of the John Crane business, fostering relationships across all levels of the organization, including senior management and European business teams, to shape strategy and enhance the identification, assessment, and management of legal risk.

The role is based in Muggio, Italy, requiring a presence in the office at least three days per week.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Supporting John Crane Associate General Counsel, EMEA, with the day-to-day management of the John Crane legal function for Europe.
2. Being the day-to-day contact for regional legal matters within Europe under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, EMEA, with a primary focus on commercial contracting and HR matters. Commercial contracting involves review, reporting, and negotiation with customers of sales contracts, requiring a robust understanding of the company’s preferred terms and close coordination with internal stakeholders such as sales, engineering, compliance, health, and safety.
3. Responsibility for routine legal reporting to the Associate General Counsel, EMEA, and key stakeholders across John Crane's European businesses.
4. Attending and representing the John Crane Legal function at regional business meetings as required.
5. Delivering training for John Crane colleagues across European businesses.
6. Working closely with the business units to support their day-to-day needs across various risk areas—business development, commercial, corporate, contracts (including with government and government prime/sub-prime contractors), IP, dispute resolution, compliance, international trade—using internal legal resources or external counsel as appropriate. Providing high-standard advice within required timeframes and aligned with commercial needs.
7. Developing strong collaborative relationships with business teams and other key stakeholders.
8. Traveling as necessary to John Crane sites.
9. Identifying and anticipating risks and opportunities across the business and fostering proactive behaviors.
10. Supporting other members of the John Crane and Smiths Group Legal teams as appropriate.
11. Supporting ethics, compliance, and governance processes, promoting a culture of integrity and best practices.
12. Building a strong internal network.
13. Performing additional tasks as required by the company.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds foster company success. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. We are committed to an inclusive culture grounded in equality and ethics.

The Individual

• Holds a law degree from an accredited university or equivalent.
• Licensed to practice law in Italy or another European jurisdiction (advantageous).
• Experience from law firms or in-house roles, ideally in high-tech and industrial/manufacturing sectors.
• Experience in complex commercial contract drafting and negotiation, with advisory and commercial expertise.
• Fluent in Italian and English (spoken and written); additional languages such as French, Spanish, or German are a plus.
• Experience working in international business environments and interpreting local laws outside their home country.
• Strong risk management skills across a broad spectrum.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills, capable of engaging colleagues at all levels.