VP Legal Counsel – Aviation Leasing

About the role

The VP Legal Counsel will lead the commercial negotiation and project management of aircraft and engine operating leases, sales and purchases. You will be involved in the full transaction lifecycle, from customer proposal to aircraft delivery, providing strategic legal guidance across the aviation finance portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Structure and negotiate contract documentation with airlines, financiers, manufacturers and other aviation finance participants.
• Draft, negotiate and review transaction documentation to ensure compliance with internal policies and approvals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional deal teams to design product and transaction offerings across leasing, trading, financing, restructuring, lease novations, engine exchange and maintenance agreements.
• Prepare letters of intent, term sheets and provide structuring input.
• Coordinate documentation, manage negotiation timelines and control execution costs, including fees for tax, legal and other advisors.
• Oversee litigation and contractual disputes, ensuring timely resolution.

Required profile

• Formal legal training with at least 10 years post‑qualification experience in aviation law, either in a law firm or in‑house at an aircraft/engine leasing company.
• Qualified to practice law in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
• Proven experience in aircraft leasing or financing transactions; cross‑border or asset‑finance experience is a plus.
• Ability to translate complex legal language for senior management and negotiate directly with customers.
• Willingness to travel for negotiations and strong communication and presentation skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Strategic leadership role within a dynamic aviation finance business.
• Opportunity to work on high‑value, international transactions.
• Collaborative environment with cross‑functional teams.