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:
👉
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:
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
1. Draft, review and negotiate various types of contracts (NDA, Loan Agreements, MoU, Teaming Agreements, Consultancy Agreements, commercial and supplier contracts)
2. Review and comment commercial offers and contracts in close collaboration with the Sales Department
3. Support negotiations with suppliers and partners
4. Provide pragmatic legal advice balancing legal security and business continuity
5. Coordinate with external legal advisors (lawyers, notaries, etc.)
Regulatory & Compliance
6. Ensure compliance with defense sector regulations (information security, export control regulations, GDPR, etc.)
7. Conduct legal monitoring and anticipate regulatory impacts on the business
8. Draft and implement procedures aligned with regulatory requirements
9. Support change management during implementation of new regulations
10. Contribute to compliance audits and operational awareness
Corporate & Governance Support
11. Ensure proper management of corporate housekeeping (legal secretariat, official publications, documentation)
12. Manage digital legal documentation
13. 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:
14. Management and Executive Committee members
15. Sales, Proposal, Project Management and Procurement teams
16. Finance Department
17. Compliance / Export Control Officer
18. External legal counsels
The work environment is dynamic, demanding and business-oriented, requiring autonomy, initiative and strong collaboration skills.
Your profile
Experience & education
19. Master’s degree in Law
20. 5-8 years of professional experience (law firm or in-house)
21. Experience at the Bar is a strong asset
22. Double background in Law & Business (e.g., Law + Business School) is a plus
23. Industrial experience is not mandatory
Technical skills
24. Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
25. Ability to handle both recurring small contracts and complex high-value agreements
26. Solid understanding of corporate and commercial law
27. Ability to manage multiple files simultaneously
28. Excellent command of digital tools
29. Fluency in French and English
Experience in compliance or regulated environments is a plus.
Personal & behavioral skills
30. Strong business orientation and pragmatic mindset
31. Autonomy and ability to take initiative
32. Strong sense of ownership
33. Excellent analytical and structuring skills
34. Ability to manage pressure and high workload
35. Diplomacy combined with assertiveness
36. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
37. Team spirit and collaborative mindset
38. 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:
39. 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
40. Flexible work arrangements, with 1–2 days of remote work per week after training
41. Comprehensive onboarding with strong knowledge transfer
42. Career development: regular reviews, large catalogue of training, and career progression
43. International opportunities across sectors and regions
44. 31 days off
The recruitment process
Ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to global security?
What are the next steps?
45. First interview with Talent Acquisition
46. Interview with the Hiring Manager
47. 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?
👉
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:
👉