CHAOS Industries
Head of Legal, International Government
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Role Overview
We are seeking a Head of International Legal to lead legal support for our growing international business. You will own corporate legal matters for our UK entity, lead international deals from a legal perspective, and establish the entities and legal structures that support expansion into new markets. Our Legal team supports a growing defense technology business serving the U.S. Government and allied international governments. You will work closely with business leaders, Contracts, Finance, People, and Compliance to turn international opportunities into signed agreements and functioning operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move a deal forward and build practical processes as we grow.
Responsibilities
- Own UK corporate legal matters. Oversee corporate governance, statutory filings, corporate records, and related legal obligations for our UK entity.
- Lead international transactions. Structure, draft, and negotiate agreements with international government and commercial customers, distributors, partners, and suppliers. Support deals from initial pursuit through execution and ongoing contract performance.
- Establish international entities. Lead the legal work for forming and maintaining subsidiaries, branches, and other international structures, coordinating with Finance, Tax, People, Compliance, and local counsel.
- Advise on international growth. Help leadership assess market-entry requirements, contracting structures, and local partnerships associated with new opportunities.
- Coordinate across legal and compliance functions. Partner with specialists on export controls, sanctions, anti-bribery requirements, employment, intellectual property, and other issues affecting international operations.
- Manage international outside counsel. Select and direct local counsel, define scope and budgets, and deliver timely, practical advice while managing legal spend.
- Build repeatable processes. Develop templates, negotiation guidance, and governance practices that support efficient international contracting and entity management.
- Support the business directly. Provide clear recommendations, resolve issues, and identify decisions requiring escalation. The role is primarily office-based and requires periodic international travel for negotiations, business meetings, and entity matters.
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Minimum Requirements
- Law degree or equivalent professional legal qualification, and admission to practice in a UK or U.S. jurisdiction, in good standing.
- Demonstrated ownership of complex cross-border commercial transactions, including leading negotiations and advising business stakeholders through execution.
- Experience advising on UK corporate governance and ongoing corporate legal obligations, directly or in coordination with local counsel.
- Experience establishing or supporting entities across multiple jurisdictions and coordinating the related legal and operational requirements.
- Ability to translate legal issues into clear business recommendations and distinguish material risks from issues that can be managed.
- Experience managing outside counsel, including scope, quality, timelines, and cost.
- Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and work effectively across functions, countries, and time zones.
Preferred Requirements
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- Experience in defense technology, aerospace, national security, or another regulated technology business.
- Experience negotiating with international government customers and navigating public procurement requirements.
- In-house experience supporting international expansion at a growing company.
- Familiarity with export controls, sanctions, and anti-bribery requirements affecting international transactions.
- Experience with international distribution arrangements, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or localization requirements.
Why CHAOS?
- Health Benefits: private medical, dental and vision benefits (for employees & dependents) will be 100% paid for by the company
- Additional benefits: 5% pension match
- Compensation Components: competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance + (coming soon!) annual bonuses
- Team Growth: 350 employees and counting across 5 global offices
- Salary Range: £188,000 - £245,000
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.
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