General Counsel

Oxford, Oxfordshire
Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited
Overview

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.

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 and Qualifications Essential Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction).
• Minimum 7-10 years of post qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
• Deep understanding of UK, EU and Japanese corporate law and compliance frameworks; data protection and privacy laws (GDPR, APPI, etc.); AI risk management and digital/technology regulations; and 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Recognised as the Best Large Insurance Employer: Awarded Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023 at the British Insurance Awards.
• Unmatched Work Life Balance.
• Competitive Salaries and Benefits Package: Salaries recognize your skills and expertise.
• 30 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days holiday .
• Permanent Health Insurance, Private Medical & Wellness Checks .
• 4 Annual salary Life Assurance .
• Comprehensive benefits package including: money back on health related expenses, virtual GP service, flu jab vouchers, driving lessons support , pension advisory, and family friendly policies (e.g., baby bonus).
• Employee well being initiatives such as the Employee Assistance Programme, annual season ticket loan , cycle scheme , and financial flexibility through Wagestream .

Subject to company performance and completion of probation.

Equal Opportunity

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics). At AND E, equal opportunity is more than a policy-it’s a promise. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to support you during our recruitment process, please let us know. We’re committed to making the process accessible and are happy to help.