Head of Legal

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory

• Provide legal guidance on corporate, commercial, and operational matters.
• Advise management on legal risks related to business decisions, contracts, and expansion plans.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations relevant to the food manufacturing industry.

2. Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts (suppliers, distributors, vendors, employees, etc.).
• Ensure contracts comply with UAE laws and company policies.
• Maintain and manage contract database and renewal tracking.

3. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UAE laws, including:
• Commercial laws
• Labor laws
• Food safety regulations
• Free zone regulations (e.g., Sharjah Free Zone / other jurisdictions) Develop and implement internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Support corporate governance initiatives and board matters.

4. Litigation & Dispute Management

• Manage legal disputes, claims, and litigation cases.
• Liaise with external legal counsel and represent the company when required.
• Handle labor disputes and regulatory issues.

5. Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with local authorities (Municipality, Food Safety Authorities, Free Zones, etc.).
• Manage licenses, permits, and regulatory filings.
• Stay updated on legal changes impacting the business.

6. Risk Management

• Identify potential legal risks and provide mitigation strategies.
• Conduct legal risk assessments for business activities and projects.

7. Policy Development

• Draft and update company policies (HR, procurement, compliance, etc.).
• Ensure alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB); Master’s (LLM) is a plus Qualified lawyer / legal practitioner (UAE experience preferred)
• 5–8 years of legal experience (preferably in manufacturing / FMCG industry) Strong knowledge of UAE laws and regulations Experience with contracts, compliance, and litigation