Head of Trade Affairs Europe (Senior Counsel)

We are seeking a Head of Trade Affairs Europe (Senior Counsel) to take the lead in providing high quality professional legal advice and guidance to Sony Group companies in Europe regarding compliance with:

• European (EU, UK, EEA, Swiss) export control laws and requirements

• US re-export control laws and requirements

• International sanction measures

In addition, you should be someone with knowledge of European customs law; in particular, the provisions of the Union Customs Code.

You will train relevant personnel in the business on all the above topics and also represent Sony Europe’s position externally in trade associations on relevant trade policy matters.

You should welcome taking accountability for your own work and delivery of advice to internal clients, while leading one team member. A vital part of your role will be to build relationships with all levels of employees, with the goal to learn how to collaborate with our diverse range of cultures, and get close to the business to ensure you become a trusted SME and go-to for support.

You will enjoy partnering with a manager who believes in giving autonomy and freedom to perform your role, while maintaining regular updates and a good partnership will ensure you stay aligned to departmental strategy and direction. Our EU Headquarters is in Weybridge, Surrey, and you should live within commutable distance to ensure a presence with the rest of the Legal & Compliance Europe Team, and visibility to the business. You should expect some European travel in the role, with occasional international trips.

You will bring:

• University-level degree or equivalent qualification in law. Professional qualification to practise law in a European jurisdiction is desirable.

• Extensive post-qualification experience in providing advice on relevant legal and compliance matters, preferably within a multinational company.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a commercial approach to relevant legal issues.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, as well as analytical skills, sound judgement, well-developed influencing skills and diplomacy, accountability, flexibility and focus in meeting the changing needs, client focus, honesty and integrity.

• Experience leading or managing team members would be beneficial, as you will have one direct report in this position.

Your new office

Based at the Weybridge office, you will enjoy a vibrant and friendly working environment. We have an onsite canteen with a wide range of options available, and a barista style coffee shop. There is a well-provisioned onsite gym run by our own Sony Wellbeing Coordinator, with classes on set days in the mornings, at lunch and after work hours. We have a staff car park which includes electric charging points, an undercover and secure bike rack (useful if you’ve made the most of the Cycle-to-Work scheme), or if you will use public transport we have a shuttle bus service that regularly runs between train station and the office at peak times.

Take a look at our video tour of the Weybridge site here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lwbMOzjoVA

Life at Sony

We ensure competitive salaries and benefits by using established benchmarking. We encourage healthy work-life balance supported by hybrid and flexible working policies. We are a positive community who dream big together, respect each other, and enjoy a collaborative culture.

We like to celebrate our colleagues who make a real difference using our recognition platform. We also provide access to numerous services and platforms for all aspects of wellbeing. We listen to our people through conversations and surveys, respect their suggestions, then act on them. We also provide allowances for volunteering days so that our staff can support the causes they are most passionate about.

You can build your career around you with our fantastic range of learning & personal development programs to enhance your skills. We also encourage our staff to try exciting new roles, in a wide range of countries, with a supportive mobility team to support you if you take that leap!

Bring your uniqueness to Sony

We are passionate about creating a culture that promotes equity and cultivates inclusion, diversity, and belonging. We want employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will stimulate innovation and have a direct impact on our creation of social value to fulfil Sony’s purpose – ‘to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology’. We want you to bring your unique self to work and help shape our culture.

We are Sony Europe

Our people collaborate in an environment of respect, integrity, and open-mindedness. Diverse teams from all over Europe are the driving force for our business, and we embrace the differences that make each of us original and unique.

With offices in 28 European countries, Sony Europe caters to consumer, professional, semiconductor and healthcare markets with innovative electronics products and solutions. Our European laboratories research and develop new technologies and capabilities that contributes to the Sony Group and important issues on a planetary scale.

Bring your passion, creativity and ambitions to Sony Europe. Apply now, and let’s create the future together.

Equal Opportunity

Sony Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Europe

Sony Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by mail to: Sony Europe B.V, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.