Legal Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Director of Legal

Reports To: Executive Director of Legal Affairs

Direct Reports: Senior Legal Counsels, Legal Specialists, Contract Management Team

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Level: Director / Band 2

1. JOB PURPOSE

Lead the operational delivery of the legal function under the direction of the Executive Director of Legal Affairs. Drive the negotiation, drafting, and execution of international agreements, memoranda of understanding, and strategic partnerships. Manage day-to-day legal operations, contract lifecycle, compliance, and dispute resolution. Translate the legal strategy set by the Executive Director into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

2. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Legal Operations and Execution

• Execute the legal strategy and operating model defined by the Executive Director of Legal Affairs.
• Translate strategic directives into operational plans, policies, and procedures for the legal department.
• Provide regular updates, dashboards, and risk reports to the Executive Director.
• Deputize for the Executive Director in internal forums and operational committees when required.

International Agreements and Cross-Border Transactions

• Lead the negotiation, structuring, and drafting of international agreements, including bilateral and multilateral contracts, framework agreements, and government-to-government arrangements.
• Manage Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign entities, ministries, multinational corporations, and global institutions.
• Provide legal counsel on cross-border joint ventures, licensing deals, and franchise arrangements.
• Coordinate with foreign legal counsel, embassies, and international law firms under the oversight of the Executive Director.
• Prepare briefing notes and recommendations for the Executive Director on complex international matters.

Contract Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of commercial contracts, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and execution.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, playbooks, and approval workflows.
• Manage high-value and high-risk contracts with strategic partners, suppliers, vendors, and government entities.
• Escalate matters exceeding defined authority thresholds to the Executive Director.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Implement the corporate compliance program, including anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, data protection, and conflict of interest policies.
• Conduct legal risk assessments across business units and recommend mitigation measures to the Executive Director.
• Monitor regulatory changes in Saudi Arabia and key international jurisdictions and brief the Executive Director on material developments.
• Lead internal investigations into legal, regulatory, or ethical breaches under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Manage litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters as delegated by the Executive Director.
• Coordinate with external counsel on case strategy, court representation, and arbitral proceedings.
• Develop dispute resolution recommendations and present them to the Executive Director for approval.
• Oversee enforcement of judgments, settlements, and awards across relevant jurisdictions.

Intellectual Property and Data Protection

• Protect the organization's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) of Saudi Arabia and equivalent international regulations.
• Advise internal stakeholders on technology transfer, software licensing, and digital transformation contracts.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a senior point of contact for external counsel, regulators, and government bodies on operational legal matters.
• Maintain working relationships with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce, ZATCA, SAMA, CMA, and other relevant authorities.
• Represent the organization in working groups and technical forums on behalf of the Executive Director when delegated.

Leadership and Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing legal team across multiple disciplines.
• Define KPIs, succession plans, and capability development roadmaps for direct reports.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Manage the legal department's operational budget and external legal spend within approved limits.

3. QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited university. Required.
• Master's degree in Law (LLM), preferably in International Business Law, Commercial Law, or International Arbitration. Preferred.
• MBA or equivalent business qualification. Advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 4 years in a senior managerial role.
• Proven track record in negotiating and drafting international agreements, MoUs, and cross-border transactions.
• Hands-on experience in corporate governance, joint ventures, and dispute resolution.
• Prior exposure to government-affiliated entities, holding structures, or large-scale conglomerates is highly preferred.
• Experience working in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region is essential.

Certifications and Licenses

• Saudi Bar Association membership or equivalent licensure. Required where applicable.
• Certification in International Arbitration (CIArb, ICC, or equivalent). Preferred.
• Membership in international legal bodies (IBA, ABA, or similar). Advantageous.

Languages

• Arabic. Native or fluent. Required.
• English. Full professional proficiency in legal drafting and negotiation. Required.

4. TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• International contract law and treaty drafting.
• Corporate and commercial law (Saudi and global frameworks).
• Due diligence and transaction structuring.
• Arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
• Regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
• Intellectual property and data privacy law.
• Legal risk assessment and mitigation.
• Contract lifecycle management systems and legal tech tools.

5. BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Operational excellence and execution discipline.
• Negotiation and influence at senior and ministerial levels.
• Sound judgment under pressure and ambiguity.
• Integrity and ethical leadership.
• Cross-cultural awareness and diplomatic sensitivity.
• People leadership and team development.
• Collaboration and upward reporting effectiveness.
• Results orientation and accountability.