The Regional Counsel, UK & Ireland provides professional legal services to all Stryker entities in UK & Ireland, including the R&D sides, to ensure that Stryker’s legal rights are being protected and that the business is compliant with local, national, international and corporate requirements. The Regional Counsel, UK & Ireland is a strategic business partner and collaborator for major, strategic initiatives of the leadership teams/divisions in the region. Makes decisions of moderate to high impact and exercises independent judgment and serves as a member of the Leadership Team and is viewed as an interdepartmental/divisional resource for Legal, who influences group/department strategy. These responsibilities may encompass a broad range of areas related to Legal & Compliance to include, but not be limited to the application of laws and guidance to many unique business activities and development/implementation of corporate and divisional policies and/or procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: (Detailed Description)

Responsible for developing strong relationships throughout areas of responsibility to foster an advisory or collaborative approach to proactive compliance.  Being part of the Leadership Team UK & Ireland in our matrix organization that aligns legal support throughout the regions. Encourages the Legal Team to proactively search for opportunities for synergy and collaboration. Responsible for contributing to solutions to complex problems, which could have a significant impact on the company. Sets the direction for the team and aligns priorities/allocation of workload based on business strategy, priorities and needs. Collaborate with all legal and compliance colleagues in Europe and globally, especially the COEs.  Maintains high level of knowledge of current and emerging laws and regulations, and periodically reviews and updates standards relating to compliance.  These include but are not limited to Stryker Corporate Policies and Procedures, industry trends and guidance on country, state/provincial or local laws. Represent Stryker in local industry associations and actively lead/participate in industry initiatives through local industry associations. Supports ICM throughout the region. Provide legal advice to Stryker teams and all divisions on country (and other Regional) legal issues. Review commercial agreements and participate in negotiations to ensure that legal rights of Stryker are being protected. Help to protect Stryker IP in collaboration with IP counsel. Draft and implement appropriate agreements for surgeon consultancies, research, sponsorship and fellowships and ensure that appropriate compliance principles are included and that compliance standard operating procedures are followed. Review tender agreements to ensure compliance issues are addressed. Review and/or draft hospital supply/pricing agreements where special pricing arrangements are negotiated. Provide advice on employment together with the COE–related issues where there is an issue to assess and/or when external legal advice may be required and requested by HR. Knowledge of the FCPA and MedTech Europe principles essential; experience of country codes beneficial. Communicate and interact with business partners including the UK & Ireland Leadership Team. Provide assistance with the local legal team in relation to governance of the UK & Ireland legal entity, ensuring that board meetings are properly conducted, and that annual meeting and filing requirements are observed. Supervises the local Associate Legal Counsel. Build followership with leaders and establish a collaborative culture to support the sharing of expertise, information, resources and learning across the business. Create an environment that supports cross functional analysis to identify and resolve the root cause of problems. Communicate and interact with business partners including the UK & Ireland Leadership Team. Actively participate in the projects and work undertaken by the International Global Legal team.

Education & Special Trainings:

Law degree and admission to practice law.

Qualifications & Experience:

• minimum 10 years applicable professional experience; prior professional experience considered
• demonstrates good judgment and professional demeanor
• demonstrates ability to work effectively with colleagues in a global organization
• embraces and supports change in a dynamic environment
• ability to work independently and in a team
• possesses good analytical and drafting skills
• experience providing legal advice in a highly regulated environment preferred
• demonstrates a commitment to integrity and accountability
• provides guidance and direction to others
• possesses good communication skills and ability to convey legal principles clearly and concisely
• has a basic understanding of business financials and reporting
• has the ability to allocate resources effectively and, where relevant, has a general understanding of the budgeting process, expense and headcount management
• possesses good organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment
• possesses good organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment
• possesses good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at levels of organization
• Proficient in MS Office suite of products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Experience in a regulated industry required, pharmaceuticals / medical device preferred.

Physical & Mental Requirements:

Must be able to communicate with large groups of people.                                                                        Must be able to communicate telephonically.                                                                                                Able to use common office equipment (personal computers, telephone, printer/copiers).