Head of Business and Corporate Legal (Benelux & France)

Our client is an international service provider active in the Benelux region, with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The organization consists of several business units and support functions and is part of a broader European and global structure. Within this framework, collaboration, compliance, and consistent corporate governance are key priorities. The legal department plays a central role by providing both strategic and operational legal advice, coordinating legal activities, and ensuring adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.

As a Head of Legal Benelux & France – Business and Corporate Legal you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all legal activities across the Benelux region. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on legal work, ensuring effective legal support for corporate governance, commercial operations, and business support areas. The position requires a strong balance between legal precision and business pragmatism, providing actionable legal advice that supports strategic objectives while managing risk.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Legal Affairs

• Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and review of a wide range of legal documents and consulting or IT service agreements.
• Ensure appropriate approvals for non-standard contractual terms and business considerations.
• Maintain and update standard legal templates and documentation.
• Coordinate input from internal departments such as Data Protection and Intellectual Property.
• Assess legal risks for business opportunities and provide guidance to internal approval committees.
• Review public and private tender documentation, identify key risks and obligations, and propose risk mitigation strategies.

Corporate Legal & Governance

• Serve as secretary to the board of directors and governance bodies, ensuring adherence to corporate governance best practices.
• Prepare and maintain accurate board documentation, minutes, and compliance records.
• Manage supplier and IT vendor contracts, ensuring alignment with corporate and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate intercompany and third-party agreements.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide legal advice on a wide range of topics, including technology, artificial intelligence, and commercial law.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments that may impact business operations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal risks within corporate activities.

Operational Legal Support

• Participate in contract negotiations and provide practical legal interpretations.
• Draft formal legal communications and explanatory notes on complex matters (e.g., public procurement, commercial law, contract law).
• Coordinate pre-litigation and litigation matters in collaboration with the global legal network.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with international legal counterparts to ensure consistency across regions.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and business partners.
• In the future, lead and mentor a regional legal team, fostering collaboration and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree.
• Admission to the bar in Belgium, France, or another relevant jurisdiction within the Benelux region.
• At least 8 years of experience in business and corporate legal practice, preferably within the IT or technology sector and a multinational environment.
• Proven experience in international and European legal contexts, including European law and public procurement.
• Knowledge of EC Financial Regulation and strong expertise in IP/ICT matters.
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance principles and best practices.

Soft Skills

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural, and dynamic business setting.
• Customer- and results-oriented mindset.
• Persistent, methodical, stress-resilient, and highly attentive to detail.
• Confident communicator, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Motivated, flexible, and open-minded, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Capable of managing tight deadlines and balancing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with the ability to foster teamwork and maintain a positive attitude.

Languages

• Excellent command of English (required for daily work).
• Strong communication skills in both English and French.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of Dutch and/or Spanish is considered an asset.

What We Offer

• A challenging and varied role within an international, innovative, and fast-paced organization.
• The opportunity to lead and shape the legal function in the Benelux region, with strategic impact across business units and corporate governance.
• Collaboration with talented colleagues in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• A competitive and market-aligned compensation package.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful projects in technology, IT services, and corporate governance.