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.

contribute to projects that enhance security, protection and defense capabilities worldwide.

work in a regulated, strategic and international defense environment.

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.

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.

• 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.)

• 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

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

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

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.

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…