Job Title: Legal Manager-Solicitor (Edgewing)
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will immediately be assigned to our Edgewing JV in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment if required, dependent on certain criteria being met. Due to the nature of this assignment, we envisage there will be a need for mostly on site working, however, flexible working arrangements may be possible – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary: £70,000+ (DOE)
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
What you’ll be doing:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer’s function, supporting the Head of Legal in shaping how legal support is delivered across the business—particularly in relation to bids, contracting, and the effective management of legal risk. You’ll be closely involved in both national and international bids, helping to review, draft, negotiate, and interpret bid documentation while identifying potential legal and contractual risks and advising on practical mitigation strategies. Working collaboratively with internal teams, you’ll help ensure compliance with bid requirements and safeguard the company’s interests, including preparing essential corporate documentation for submission. Beyond bids, you’ll support the full lifecycle of commercial contracts, from drafting and negotiation through to execution, covering a wide range of agreements such as NDAs, MOUs, teaming and consortium agreements, and technology transfer arrangements. You’ll also contribute to procurement activities, helping to develop robust supplier contracts that align with customer commitments and embed strong risk management practices, while supporting negotiations with key suppliers and partners.
Core duties:
- You’ll bring previous relevant experience as an in-house solicitor or barrister
- You’ll have experience operating in a highly complex contracting environment
- You’ll demonstrate considerable contractual skills, with expertise in drafting, negotiating, and advising on high-value, complex commercial transactions
- You’ll have a solid understanding of corporate governance principles and best practices
- You’ll possess a good working knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, with experience operating in an international environment
The Legal Team:
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up — setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we’re united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence – uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters..
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a good sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All 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.
Closing Date: 29th June 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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