Legal & Compliance Advisor

Legal & Compliance Advisor – John Cockerill Defense

Are you ready to contribute to high-impact, international defense projects supporting security and critical infrastructures?

Driven since 1817 by the entrepreneurial spirit and thirst for innovation of its founder, the John Cockerill Group develops large-scale technological solutions to meet the needs of its time: facilitating access to low-carbon energies, enabling sustainable industrial production, preserving natural resources, contributing to greener mobility, enhancing security, and installing critical infrastructures.

Its offer to companies, States and communities consists of services and associated equipment for the sectors of energy, defence, industry, the environment, transports, and infrastructures.

With over 8,000 employees, John Cockerill achieved a turnover of €1.417 billion in 2024, operating in 28 countries across 5 continents.

Within this framework, John Cockerill Defense designs and delivers advanced defense and security solutions, including armored systems, weapon stations and critical protection technologies, supporting armed forces and security stakeholders worldwide.

Learn more about our Defense activities:
👉 https://defense.johncockerill.com/en/

Why join John Cockerill Defense?

Mission-driven impact: contribute to projects that enhance security, protection and defense capabilities worldwide.

Global reach: collaborate with multicultural teams and work on international defense programs.
👉 Discover our international talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUiEakGcsQ&t=72s

High-technology environment: work in a regulated, strategic and international defense environment.

Strategic exposure: support high-value contracts and business-critical operations in a demanding regulatory context.

John Cockerill Defense combines technological excellence, reliability and innovation to meet the stringent requirements of modern defense and security missions.

Your role

As a Legal & Compliance Advisor, you will play a key role within the Support Functions of the Weapon Systems Division (Belgium), ensuring the legal security of business activities while enabling operational continuity.

You will work in close collaboration with the Legal Manager, operational teams and management, supporting both recurring and high-value contracts in a highly regulated defense environment.

This position combines contractual expertise, legal advisory, regulatory compliance and strategic business support.

Your key responsibilities

Contractual & Advisory Support

• Draft, review and negotiate various types of contracts (NDA, Loan Agreements, MoU, Teaming Agreements, Consultancy Agreements, commercial and supplier contracts)
• Review and comment commercial offers and contracts in close collaboration with the Sales Department
• Support negotiations with suppliers and partners
• Provide pragmatic legal advice balancing legal security and business continuity

• Coordinate with external legal advisors (lawyers, notaries, etc.)

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with defense sector regulations (information security, export control regulations, GDPR, etc.)
• Conduct legal monitoring and anticipate regulatory impacts on the business
• Draft and implement procedures aligned with regulatory requirements
• Support change management during implementation of new regulations
• Contribute to compliance audits and operational awareness

Corporate & Governance Support

• Ensure proper management of corporate housekeeping (legal secretariat, official publications, documentation)
• Manage digital legal documentation
• Ensure proper application of signature powers
•  

More generally, you will support the Legal & Compliance Manager according to business priorities and urgencies.

Your team

You will report hierarchically to the Legal Manager of the Weapon Systems Division and functionally to the Legal Manager of the Defense Sector.

You will work closely with:

• Management and Executive Committee members
• Sales, Proposal, Project Management and Procurement teams
• Finance Department
• Compliance / Export Control Officer
• External legal counsels

The work environment is dynamic, demanding and business-oriented, requiring autonomy, initiative and strong collaboration skills.

Your profile

Experience & education

• Master’s degree in Law
• 5-8 years of professional experience (law firm or in-house)
• Experience at the Bar is a strong asset
• Double background in Law & Business (e.g., Law + Business School) is a plus
• Industrial experience is not mandatory

Technical skills

• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to handle both recurring small contracts and complex high-value agreements
• Solid understanding of corporate and commercial law
• Ability to manage multiple files simultaneously
• Excellent command of digital tools
• Fluency in French and English

Experience in compliance or regulated environments is a plus.

Personal & behavioral skills

• Strong business orientation and pragmatic mindset
• Autonomy and ability to take initiative
• Strong sense of ownership
• Excellent analytical and structuring skills
• Ability to manage pressure and high workload
• Diplomacy combined with assertiveness
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Team spirit and collaborative mindset
• High level of integrity and reliability

You thrive in a fast-paced, structured and demanding environment.

What we offer

At John Cockerill, we deeply value your contribution:

• Attractive salary package with many extra-legal benefits: company car, meal vouchers, flat-rate expenses, hospitalization/life/death/guaranteed income insurance, variable remuneration ranging from 0–25% of your gross annual salary, profit-sharing scheme based on progress and results
• Flexible work arrangements, with 1–2 days of remote work per week after training
• Comprehensive onboarding with strong knowledge transfer
• Career development: regular reviews, large catalogue of training, and career progression
• International opportunities across sectors and regions
• 31 days off

The recruitment process

Ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to global security?

What are the next steps?

• First interview with Talent Acquisition
• Interview with the Hiring Manager
• Final interview with Sector Management

Is it a match between you and John Cockerill? May this collaboration begin!

Want to find out more about John Cockerill Defense’s exciting projects?
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh-Rn2zFMBY

This is not the opportunity you're looking for?
You can also join our talent pool and be contacted for other positions in the future:
👉 https://career5.successfactors.eu/careers?company=CMIhttp://www.johncockerill.com/jobs