General Counsel

Location: Oxfordshire

Are you passionate about driving innovative solutions to address the world's most important problems? AIOI R&D Lab, developing AI solutions and products to solve societal problems, is looking for a General Counsel to take responsibility on corporate governance and legal clearance in the digital field in EU/UK/Japan.
As General Counsel, you will provide strategic and operational legal support across the company as a member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers. You will ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the UK, EU, and Japan, particularly in areas of corporate governance, data protection, AI ethics and risk, digital regulation, and insurance-related legislation. You’ll work with a talented team of executives and project managers, group legal teams and industry leaders.
The role is a permanent full time position. Salary is £107,000 - £150,000 per annum depending on experience.
If you're ready to take your career to the next level, apply now and join AIOI R&D Lab in making a lasting, positive impact.
Apply today!
Responsibilities:
 
* Member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers (Subject to AIOI R&D Lab’s board approval)
 
* Provide legal advice and guidance to management on all company activities, including R&D, partnerships, procurement, and corporate governance.
 
* Oversee compliance frameworks, including data protection (GDPR, APPI, etc.), AI governance, and digital regulatory requirements.
 
* Monitor and interpret relevant legislative and regulatory developments in the UK, EU, and Japan affecting the company’s operations and research.
 
* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including research collaboration agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and partnership MoUs.
 
* Lead risk management initiatives relating to AI ethics, data use, and digital technologies.
 
* Develop and maintain internal policies for legal compliance, privacy management, and ethical AI development.
 
* Act as the main contact for legal coordination with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Ltd. and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd., ensuring group-level consistency.
 
* Support board governance matters for Aioi R&D Lab Ltd.
 
* Manage and supervise external counsel, ensuring efficient and cost-effective use of legal resources.
Knowledge, Experience &

Qualifications:

Essential:
- Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction).
- Minimum 7–10 years of post-qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
 
* Deep understanding for UK, EU and Japanese of:
     
* Corporate law and compliance frameworks.
     
* Data protection and privacy laws (GDPR, APPI, etc.).
     
* AI risk management and digital/technology regulations.
     
* Legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance industry.
 
* Proven experience advising on cross-border legal matters and working within international corporate groups.
 
* Excellent communication and drafting skills in both English and Japanese, with the ability to conduct legal discussions fluently (native level in at least one language).
 
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
Desirable:
- Experience working in or with R&D or technology-driven organizations.
- Familiarity with UK or EU insurance supervisory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, EIOPA regulations).
- Prior in-house counsel experience in a multinational company or financial institution.
- Experience developing and implementing compliance programs, particularly for AI governance or data ethics.
- Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with regulators, external counsel, and internal stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
Why Join Us?
We're committed to your growth, providing the support to excel in your current role whilst offering opportunities to step into new challenges and drive your career forward.
We realise that we need to be a good fit for you above all else – so here’s what you can enjoy about AND-E:
 
* Recognised as the Best Large Insurance

Employer:

We are proud to have been named the Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023 at the prestigious British Insurance Awards.
 
* Unmatched Work-Life…