Head of Legal

Global Head of Legal (International) | E-Commerce / Retail
Location: Frankfurt

Our client is seeking an exceptional legal leader to serve as their Global Head of Legal (International), a high-trust, high-autonomy position reporting directly to the CEO and CFO, with full international remit across all markets outside Asia. This is not a support function role. You will operate as the brand's chief legal architect internationally, leading one direct report and acting as a genuine strategic partner at the highest level of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and define the international legal strategy across all markets outside Asia.
• Oversee commercial legal matters including franchise, wholesale, distribution, and retail expansion.
• Support omnichannel business models and advise on new market entry strategies.
• Drive intellectual property protection and anti-counterfeiting initiatives globally.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR) and consumer law requirements.
• Take ownership of ESG and supply chain compliance, including relevant EU regulatory frameworks.
• Act as the key legal interface between international and Asian business units.
• Provide strategic legal advice to executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a lean international legal function.

Your Profile:

• Fully qualified lawyer (German Volljurist) or equivalent international qualification.
• Extensive post-qualification experience, including significant time in senior legal leadership roles.
• Strong background in international commercial law within retail, consumer, or lifestyle sectors.
• Proven experience working across both Civil Law and Common Law jurisdictions.
• Ability to translate complex legal frameworks into pragmatic, business-oriented solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with executive-level presence.
• Fluent German and English; familiarity with Asian markets or business culture is advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

• A high-impact leadership role with direct access to executive management.
• Opportunity to shape global legal strategy in a premium, international brand environment.
• Broad scope across commercial, regulatory, and strategic legal matters.
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