Legal Operations Manager

Department Legal / BAE Systems OneArc Location Prague, Czech Republic / Hybrid option available) Reporting To Head of Legal / General Counsel Direct Reports None Job Description The Legal Operations Manager serves as a vital enabler for the legal function of BAE Systems OneArc in delivering operational and legal services to the business. This role focuses on optimizing the efficiency and efficacy of legal operations, legal administration, and paralegal duties, including document review, contract negotiation, legal research, IP management, and data privacy operations. Acting as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, the Legal Operations Manager combines strong continental legal knowledge with business acumen to align legal strategy with commercial objectives. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking legal professional who thrives at the intersection of business, law, and modern technology. Candidate Profile A proactive, business-minded legal professional who combines strong continental legal grounding with an eagerness to modernize legal delivery. You operate as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders, balancing legal risk mitigation with commercial velocity. Proactive Enabler: A self-starter who operates independently, taking ownership of legal operations, triage, and contract workflows to drive organizational momentum. Strategically Minded: Translates complex legal, IP, and data privacy frameworks into pragmatic, business-friendly guidance for non-legal teams. Credible Advisor: Builds genuine trust across internal business units, joining calls as a strategic advisor to align legal outcomes with commercial objectives. Forward-Thinking & Tech-Fluent: Enthusiastically adopts cutting-edge AI tools for research and workflow optimization within strict corporate governance boundaries. Growth-Oriented: Possesses a continuous learning mindset and high intellectual curiosity, with a clear drive for professional development and potential progression toward a Legal Counsel role. Key Responsibilities & Impact Legal Operations & Process Improvement: Manage, lead, and optimize legal operations and processes, including legal matter intake, triage, and tracking (excluding routine contract administration and data entry). Contract & License Review: Review and lead subsequent negotiations for sales/procurement contracts, NDAs, and critical terms (liability, indemnity, IP, warranties); review and approve third-party software licensing terms for COTS software products. Stakeholder Advisory & Collaboration: Act as the primary point of contact for day-to-day legal inquiries; join business calls as a strategic advisor to drive cross-functional cooperation while ensuring compliance. Legal Research & AI Governance: Conduct comprehensive legal research leveraging advanced AI platforms (e.g., Google Gemini) in strict adherence to company AI governance and compliance policies. Intellectual Property Management: Oversee the company’s IP portfolio, maintain the trademark register, assist with trademark applications, and coordinate objection processes. Data Privacy & External Counsel Liaison: Support the Data Protection Officer in executing the company's privacy compliance framework. Communicate and coordinate with external legal counsels on complex matters to ensure accurate, cost-effective briefings. Legal Drafting: Draft formal legal correspondence, internal memos, and cross-functional process documentation. Demonstrable Track Record Proven impact in fast-paced corporate or legal environments with the following competencies: Negotiation Excellence: Proven ability to independently lead contract negotiations, manage onerous clauses, and mitigate commercial risk across liability, indemnity, and IP. Operational Optimization: Success in establishing structured legal intake, triage, and workflow management that maximizes the responsiveness of the legal function. Cross-Functional Partnering: Strong track record of advising internal teams and serving as a legal bridge to product, sales, and procurement business units. A Modern Mindset AI Tool Proficiency: Skilled in utilizing advanced AI platforms (e.g., Google Gemini) for legal research while adhering to strict governance frameworks. Process-Driven Efficiency: Meticulous attention to detail and structured organizational skills that eliminate administrative friction. Continuous Learner: High ambition for personal development and expanding domain expertise across evolving technology law, privacy, and commercial fields. Systems-Oriented: Comfortable working in digital workspaces and legal tech tools to streamline contract lifecycle and risk tracking. Required Education, Experience & Skills Education Bachelor’s degree in Law required; Master’s degree in Law preferred. Legal Domain Knowledge Strong foundational understanding of Continental law (Czech, Slovak, or other EU continental legal systems). Knowledge of Common Law is a distinct advantage. Business Acumen Demonstrated understanding of internal commercial workflows, business objectives, and corporate technology environments. Language Proficiency Business fluency in English (B2/C1 minimum) and native-level fluency in Czech or Slovak. Desirable Attributes (Nice-to-Haves) Hands-on experience managing trademark registers and executing complex cross-functional data protection projects. Background working alongside external legal counsel in international technology or defense sector settings. Interest in expanding legal scope with potential career progression toward a formal Legal Counsel role. Working Conditions Environment: Remote / Hybrid working arrangement (Specific office address or hybrid terms to be confirmed). Travel: Minimal travel required for internal alignment, team offsites, or key business meetings.