In-House Lawyer - Europe - Listed company

Our client is a US based NYSE listed global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded products.

This company has an opening for an In-House Lawyer (German Bar) with significant commercial legal experience as well as experience in competition, sustainability, regulatory compliance, M&A, and dispute and dispute resolution. Experience in the Middle East & Africa is a strong plus. This position will be a legal partner  to the European business units, which has its headquarters in Germany and will report to the General Counsel Europe.

The Legal Department strives to be a trusted business partner with corporate management and the individual business units, providing proactive advice to support strategic initiatives and to compete more effectively while performing compliance and corporate governance responsibilities in a timely, cost-effective manner. They offer a team-oriented environment where excellence in performance and commitment is rewarded.
 
Key Duties and Responsibilities :

The position will serve as  a link between the European businesses and the US-based legal and business teams, assure legal compliance with local laws, EU- and applicable US-requirements (FCPA, Economic Sanctions etc.) and provide general commercial legal guidance to our European business units. Specific areas of focus include:

• Provide advice and counsel on matters relating to:
  • Commercial contracts, including negotiation
  • Competition
  • Regulatory compliance, including monitoring applicable legislative developments
  • Legal requirements governing the manufacture and sale of consumer products
  • Sustainability, including monitoring applicable legislative developments
  • Manage disputes and dispute resolution
  • Business acquisitions and divestitures
  • Other matters as appropriate
• Prepare and present legal compliance training programs and conduct compliance audits and investigations
• Coordinate with other subject matter experts on business unit matters in Europe, the US and Asia

• German bar qualification with outstanding academic achievement (at least one state exams “befriedigend” or higher). An LLM degree from the UK or US is a plus.
• 5 to 15 years of professional experience within an international organization or law firm (preferably with or advising US public companies or their subsidiaries); highly qualified applicants with less professional experience will be considered. 
• Excellent management skills and business judgment with a capacity to make decisions and give advice, which demonstrates an understanding of overall business objectives and the risks/rewards of each situation.
• Manage outside counsel and other service providers
• Espouse our values of teamwork, customer-focus, respect for the individual, continuous improvement, and drive for results
• Ability to multi-task and manage a significant work load in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel 15-20% of the time to European and other subsidiaries
• Fluent in English and German (both written and spoken). Additional languages are an asset.