Title: Legal Counsel
Location: Bedburg, Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia region preferred)
Position Type: Full-time
Work Mode: Hybrid
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Compliance:
* Provide expert legal advice on corporate law, employment law, and GDPR compliance to internal stakeholders.
* Ensure compliance with German and EU regulations, particularly in the areas of corporate governance, labor law, and data protection.
* Monitor changes in legislation and ensure the organization adapts to new legal requirements.
Contract Management:
* Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, including supplier contracts, employment agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
* Maintain a centralized contract management system to ensure all agreements are up-to-date and compliant.
Employment Law Expertise:
* Advise on employee relations, including hiring, termination, and workplace disputes.
* Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with labor laws and GDPR.
* Handle legal disputes related to employment matters, including litigation if necessary.
Work Council Matters:
* Advise on and manage relationships with German work council, including collective bargaining agreements and employee representation.
* Ensure compliance with regulations and support management in negotiations with works councils (Betriebsrat).
* Handle disputes or conflicts arising from activities and provide strategic legal guidance to mitigate risks.
Corporate Governance & Transactions:
* Support corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring.
* Advise on corporate structure, shareholder agreements, and regulatory compliance.
* Assist in the preparation of board meetings and corporate filings.
Risk Management & Dispute Resolution:
* Identify and mitigate legal risks across the organization.
* Manage disputes and liaise with external counsel when necessary.
* Develop and maintain a compliance framework to minimize legal exposure.
Qualifications
Education:
* Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) or equivalent; a Master’s degree (LL.M.) or admission to the German bar (Volljurist) is a plus.
Experience:
* 5-10 years of professional experience as a legal counsel, preferably in a corporate or law firm setting.
* Strong expertise in corporate law, employment law, and GDPR compliance.
* Experience in the heavy industrial or manufacturing sector is a plus.
Skills & Competencies:
* In-depth knowledge of German and EU corporate law, labor law, and GDPR.
* Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal research tools.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Language Skills:
* Fluent in German and English (spoken and written).
Other Requirements:
* Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
* A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
* Hybrid work model with flexibility.
If you are a seasoned legal professional with expertise in corporate law, employment law, and GDPR, and you are looking to make an impact in a dynamic, international organization, we encourage you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of our legal operations in Germany and beyond!