On behalf of our client, a European retail group with a location in the Bad Ragaz area, Switzerland, we are seeking candidates for a newly established, immediately or by arrangement available position as Legal Counsel (80-100%). The job description reads as follows (with minor adjustments from us):
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the local Center Director, be responsible, and act as internal go to person, for all Legal & Compliance issues and projects regarding the local outlet
Independently support and advise the management and all line and staff functions in predominantly commercial law matters, especially corporate, contract, intellectual property, product liability, IT, energy, construction/real estate, tenancy and labor law, as well as compliance regulations such as data protection, competition and white-collar crimes as well as industry compliance (industry standards, regulatory affairs)
Draft, review and negotiate contracts and other legally relevant documents
Draft legal briefs, clarifications and opinions on legal issues
Draft and implement directives and guidelines, especially in the areas of contracting & approval and compliance, as well as standard/model contracts and GTCs
Coordinate activities with internal departments such as Finance, Tax, HR, Risk Management, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management/Logistics, Marketing/Sales and Business Development as well as with the Group headquarters located abroad
Provide legal support in court and out-of-court disputes and litigations
Select, instruct and supervise external lawyers and notaries public
Manage contacts and correspondence with trade and industry associations, authorities and agencies
Lead, coordinate and support internal, mostly interdisciplinary projects such as M&A transactions, joint ventures and restructurings
Develop and implement internal training, education and professional development programs
Ongoing monitoring of legislation, case law and best practices that could impact the group and its business activities, products and services, and prepare proposals for internal implementation
Requirements:
MLaw from a continental European university, preferably supplemented with a bar exam or other additional training
At least 2 years‘ Swiss work experience gained at an international industry group and/or a renowned business law firm advising international industry groups. Proven knowledge of Swiss business law, including corporate and contract law as well as compliance
Fluency in German and English (each at least level C1); knowledge of other major European languages would be an advantage
IT savvy; very good user skills of MS Office
Ability to analyze business requirements from a legal & compliance perspective and translate them into adequate measures and guidelines
Structured, efficient work style; attention to details
Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills
High level of resilience and flexibility; enjoying working hard and being challenged; ability to manage a demanding workload with conflicting priorities
Proactive, able to provide innovative solutions that balance legal and business concerns
Down-to-earth personality with sound and pragmatic judgment in ambiguous situations, assertiveness, diplomatic flair and a healthy sense of humor
Enjoying the exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with international stakeholders, supporting the group’s overall expanding business
Entrepreneurial thinking and flair for business and technical contexts
High personal integrity and loyalty (ethical foundation); ability to protect the higher interests of the group
EU/EFTA citizenship and residence within a commutable radius of Bad Ragaz are required
Ability to regular business travel within Europe of up to 20%
Place of work: Bad Ragaz area, Switzerland (with possibility of working from home up to 2 days/week)
