Legal Counsel

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Location: Sydney, Australia

Department: Legal

Reports to: Deputy General Counsel / Senior Commercial Counsel, Detection

Contract: Permanent

Start: 2026

We are looking for a commercially savvy Legal Counsel to support our operations across the APAC region. This is a unique opportunity to join a global Legal team, while serving as the standalone legal representative in our Sydney office — a true strategic partner to our commercial leaders in the region.

If you thrive in a role where you can combine autonomy, influence and hands‑on impact, this position offers the ideal blend.

 

As the Legal Counsel for APAC, you will:

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of commercial and government contracts across the region.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including claims, amendments, variations and terminations.
• Serve as a trusted partner to APAC commercial stakeholders, advising on tenders, bids and proposals, and leading negotiations with customers and partners.
• Oversee compliance matters for the region, including due diligence for agents and distributors.
• Act as the primary legal point of contact in the Sydney office, providing real‑time, practical business‑focused advice.
• Interface with external counsel and collaborate closely with colleagues across our global Legal function.
• Support the development and maintenance of contract templates and contribute to global process improvement initiatives.
• Deliver training and guidance to internal teams to support best‑in‑class commercial and compliance practices.

Education & Experience

• Law degree and admission to practise. Or willingness to obtain supervision externally.
• Minimum 5+ years’ post‑qualification experience; in‑house experience is advantageous.
• Strong background in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts; experience with government/public sector contracting is highly desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Confident operating as the sole legal representative in-region, while collaborating effectively with a global Legal team.
• Strong business acumen and commercial judgement, with the ability to translate legal analysis into practical, commercially aligned advice.
• Highly organised and detail‑oriented, while maintaining a strategic, big‑picture perspective.

 

Why This Role?

• Regional ownership – Shape how the business navigates legal, commercial and compliance matters across APAC.
• Standout exposure – Work closely with the senior leadership team and be a visible, trusted advisor within the business.
• Global collaboration – Be part of a supportive and experienced global Legal team, while enjoying autonomy and influence locally.
• High-impact work – Contribute directly to major commercial initiatives, strategic deals and operational improvements.

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)