head of legal

People First HR Consultancy

<p>A well reputed Holding company in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Head of Legal. Ideal Candidates should be/Have:</p><p>Holding Companies Experience</p><p>Experience in Merger and New Acquisitions</p><p>Male</p><p>Bilingual</p><p>Abu Dhabi based</p><p>Job Type: Full-time</p>

Head of Legal

Confidential

<div>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Job Purpose
  </strong>
 </p>
 <p>
  The Head\Director of Legal is responsible for leading and managing the Legal Department &amp; reporting to the chief of the shared services within the group. The role oversees all legal matters including
  <strong>
   litigation management, contracts and agreements, legal consultation, risk mitigation, and governance
  </strong>
  , while acting as a strategic legal advisor to senior management and the Board.
 </p>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   About the Company:
  </strong>
 </p>
 <p>
  We are a publicly listed company operating within the
  <strong>
   IT, Telecom, &amp; Software Development
  </strong>
  sector. Our portfolio includes innovative technology solutions and software platforms designed to serve both Government and Enterprise clients.
 </p>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Key Responsibilities
  </strong>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   1. Legal Leadership &amp; Department Management
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Lead, manage, and develop the Legal Department, including internal legal staff and external legal advisors.
  </li>
  <li>
   Provide strategic legal guidance to executive management and key stakeholders.
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   2. Litigation &amp; Dispute Management
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Oversee and manage all litigation, disputes, and claims involving the company.
  </li>
  <li>
   Assess legal risks, define legal strategies, and ensure timely resolution of cases.
  </li>
  <li>
   Provide regular litigation status reports to senior management.
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   3. Contracts &amp; Agreements
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Oversee drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and approving all contracts and agreements, including:
  </li>
  <li>
   Commercial contracts
  </li>
  <li>
   Vendor and supplier agreements
  </li>
  <li>
   Employment contracts
  </li>
  <li>
   Partnership, JV, and MOUs
  </li>
  <li>
   NDAs and confidentiality agreements
  </li>
  <li>
   Ensure contracts comply with local laws, company policies, and risk appetite.
  </li>
  <li>
   Develop and maintain contract templates and approval workflows.
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   4. Legal Consultation &amp; Advisory
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Provide legal consultation to all departments on business operations, transactions, and initiatives.
  </li>
  <li>
   Advise on corporate matters, regulatory compliance, and operational risks.
  </li>
  <li>
   Support strategic projects, mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and expansions.
  </li>
  <li>
   Interpret new laws and regulations and assess their impact on the business.
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   5. Compliance, Governance &amp; Risk
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory authorities.
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee corporate governance matters, including Board and committee support.
  </li>
  <li>
   Identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies.
  </li>
  <li>
   Lead internal legal audits and support external audits when required.
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
  <br/>
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Qualifications &amp; Experience
  </strong>
 </p>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Bachelor&rsquo;s Degree in Law (LLB) &ndash; Master&rsquo;s Degree is an advantage.
  </li>
  <li>
   <strong>
    10&ndash;15 years of progressive legal experience
   </strong>
   , including senior leadership roles.
  </li>
  <li>
   Strong experience in
   <strong>
    litigation, contracts, and corporate legal advisory
   </strong>
   .
  </li>
 </ul>
 <p>
 </p>
</div>


OQ Chemicals

<div><div><div><div><div><div><b>Job title</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
Head of Legal</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Stream</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
Downstream<br>
</div></div><div><div><b>Function</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
Legal</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Location</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
OQ8 HQ Office - Muscat<br>
</div></div><div><div><b>Budget control</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Reporting to</b></div></div><div><br>
<div>
OQ8 CEO</div></div><div><br>
<div><b>
Direct reports</b></div></div><div><br>
<ul><li>
</li></ul></div></div><br>
<div><div><div><b>Job purpose</b></div><br>
<div><b>
</b></div><div>Under the general direction of OQ8 CEO, the Head Legal leads and coordinates OQ8&rsquo;s Legal strategy and provides legal advice and direction on OQ8&rsquo;s legal framework priorities and its related implementation plans associated with both day-to-day activities and complex strategic initiatives. The Head Legal reports to the CEO and to the Board as Company Secretary by (1) providing sound legal advice on company legal strategies and their implementation, (2) Managing the legal function and its associated staff, and (3) Oversees the work of external counsels, and (4) develops and maintains a Compliance programs that reinforces behaviors within defined and communicated boundaries.</div><div></div><div><br>
</div><div>The position will act in accordance with the OQ8&rsquo;s Mission, Vision, Values &amp; Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Oman&rsquo;s government &amp; other legal justification&rsquo;s, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<p><b>Main tasks and responsibilities</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Establish the short and long-term strategy for Legal and translate it into business plans with objectives and performance indicators to measure success to support the achievement of OQ8&rsquo;s strategic objectives</li>
<li>Act as the legal adviser to Senior Management and ensure the resolution of major legal issues affecting OQ8&rsquo;s strategic interests</li>
<li>Build and develop the Legal function in a manner to efficiently and effectively support the business, ensuring clear lines of responsibility and accountability</li>
<li>Foster collaboration within the Legal team and between the Legal function and the business lines/other functions to ensure Legal is appropriately positioned and utilized with the OQ8 Joint Venture
</li><li>Manage Legal resources, to ensure appropriate skill set and capacity to address the legal demands of the Joint Venture</li>
<li>Lead negotiations of material agreements across a wide variety of transactions and discussions</li>
<li>Works closely with Senior Management in shaping the business strategy of the Joint Venture
</li><li>Oversight and accountability in supporting the legal experts from the various business lines/ functions in leading the negotiations of agreements across a wide variety of transactions and discussions</li>
<li>Lead and manage the Legal staff, including workforce planning (hiring and deployment within the function), performance management and development of direct reports to maximize their potential and engagement.</li>
<li>Oversee continuous improvements &amp; LEAN execution plans in the area. Continuously identify and recommend improvements while ensuring compliance with the group guidelines, international/local standards, and relevant legislation.</li></ul><br>
<p></p>
<p>
Lead Legal team to:
</p><ul><li>Set the strategy and plan for the Legal function, to provide timely, high-quality legal advice and assistance to OQ8&rsquo;s businesses and functions across all relevant jurisdictions to support the businesses to achieve their strategic objectives</li>
<li>Set the strategy for contractual negotiation and documentation for the interest of OQ8 and its businesses</li>
<li>Oversee the management of corporate secretarial activities and provision of legal advice in relation to corporate governance</li>
<li>Set the strategy for the development of corporate compliance and regulatory policies and standards in relation to Anti-Bribery, Corruption, Whistle-blower, Sanctions, Export Controls, Trademark and Brand Compliance and oversee their implementation and enforcement throughout the OQ8 Joint Venture, to mitigate risk and ensure OQ8&rsquo;s business activities are carried out in an ethical manner and with integrity</li>
<li>Oversee and advise Legal departments on litigation and dispute settlement activities and lead instructions to external counsel to ensure outcomes in the best interest of OQ8</li>
<li>Design and implement digital transformation initiatives that enhance legal efficiency, and continuously improve the same</li>
<li>Lead the research, analysis and interpretation of proposed and existing laws, statutes and regulations in all jurisdictions in which OQ8 operates, and their impact on OQ8&rsquo;s business to plan for any changes, measures required</li>
<li>Manage relationships with key stakeholders, particularly governmental authorities and regulators, as well as external counsel and consultants</li>
<li>Manage the development and implementation of the Compliance processes, and monitor compliance across the organisation to the defined legal framework in order to ensure
</li><li>Manage the activities related to OQ8&rsquo;s legal framework in order to ensure its compliance with its obligations.</li>
<li>Provide technical advice to management on legal cases and disputes in order to protect the organisation&rsquo;s interest in an efficient and effective manner.</li>
<li>Represents the legal function at meeting on selected business matters</li>
<li>Co-ordination of legal and regulatory issues with financial, legal and technical advisors
</li><li>Ensures timely and compliant execution of Significant Contracts, and catalogues and maintains custody of the same.</li>
<li>Advice on maintaining full compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory agencies and environmental laws.</li>
<li>Managing the services of outside counsel.</li>
<li>Review OQ8&rsquo;s panel of law firms on periodic basis based on their performance and competency.</li></ul><br>
<div></div>
<div>
Performance Management:
</div><ul><li>Overseas the Capacity building initiatives &amp; performance of direct and indirect staff, aligning those initiatives with the human resources processes and systems, to ensure the transfer of knowledge to local staff and motivate employees with the right balance of technical and functional capabilities.</li>
<li>Overseas employee&rsquo;s competence development.</li>
<li>Overseas building and retaining capabilities
</li><li>Lead and guide a motivated, engaged, high performing and capable team in order to deliver the department business plan.</li>
<li>Lead the Talent and Performance Management for its direct and indirect reports, defining workforce requirements, recruiting, training and developing talent, aligned with the human resources processes and systems, to ensure capable, qualified and highly motivated employees with the right balance of technical and functional capabilities.</li></ul><br>
<div></div>
<div>
Specific near-term challenges:</div>
<ul>
<li>Managing potential claims from EPCs as part of the project close-out</li>
<li>Supporting Finance with capital restructuring</li>
<li>Building trust and confidence with the shareholder legal departments</li></ul></div><br>
</div><br>
<div><div><div><b>Key interactions</b></div>
<div>
Internal: Executive Leadership Team | Board | Heads of other Streams/Businesses | Legal team members | Assurance</div>
<div>
External: Government / Ministries | External Legal Counsel | Auditors | Vendors</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Notable Working Conditions: </b>Primarily office-based work; occasional domestic and international travel</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Education requirements</b></div></div><br>
<div>
<ul><li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in law (Required)
</li>Authorized legal practice (required)<br>
<li>
</li></ul></div></div><br>
<div><div><div><b>Language requirements<br>
</b></div></div><div><div>Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)</div></div></div><div><br>
<div>
<div><b>Background and experience</b></div></div><div><br>
<div><b>
Competencies and skills</b></div></div></div><br>
<div>
<div><ul><li>Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in law within the Energy Industry
</li><li>5 years as senior member of a corporate legal function or partner in a law consulting firm / company
</li><li>Experience with working in the Sultanate of Oman legal framework (preferred)</li>
</ul>
</div><div><ul><li>Ability to negotiate and influence</li>
<li>Ability to lead a team of professionals</li>
<li>Ability to identify and mitigate legal compliance risks</li>
<li>Ability to communicate at various corporate levels</li>
<li>Ability to work across different functions</li>
<li>Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds</li>
<li>Demonstrated strategic orientation</li>
<li>Advanced critical analytical skills</li>
<li>Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders</li>
<li>Ability to conduct legal negotiation</li>
<li>Demonstrated leadership to develop high performing teams</li>
<li>Capable of inspiring and leading change,
</li><li>must be fluent in legal terminology in English</li></ul><br>
<div></div>
<div>
Technical:</div><br>
<div>
</div><ul><li>Proficiency in M/S Office</li>
<li>Legal Finance &amp; Banking, Corporate &amp; Projects (Petrochemical / construction)</li>
<li>Finance &amp; Corporate Law</li>
<li>Contract management,
</li><li>Trade agreement,
</li><li>M&amp;A
</li><li>Compliance, Governance,
</li><li>Contracting (required)
</li><li>Project finance
</li><li>Omani Law / UK Law)</li>
<li>Litigation and Arbitration.</li>
</ul><ul><li>In-depth understanding of the Oil &amp; Gas industry</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

OQ8 Head of Legal

<div>
 <strong>
  Job Title: Head of Legal, India
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 Location: Gurugram, India
 <br/>
 <br/>
 Reports to: India Site Lead and General Counsel
 <br/>
 <br/>
 Supports: Group Head of APAC and Group Head of Technology
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <strong>
  Role Overview
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 The Head of Legal, India will be a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic and operational legal support to our India hub. This position will work closely with the India Site Lead and the Group General Counsel, and will collaborate with global leadership, including the Group Head of APAC and Group Head of Technology. This role will ensure there is legal compliance, effective management of legal risk, and will enable business growth while maintaining governance standards.
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <strong>
  Key Responsibilities
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 The Head of Legal, India will serve as the senior legal leader for all India‑based legal activities and operations. Acting as a trusted advisor to the Site Lead and senior executive team, the role will support:
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Legal Advisory &amp; Business Support
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Provide comprehensive legal support for business-as-usual operations across our India hub.
   </li>
   <li>
    Advise on commercial contracts, employment law matters, and regulatory compliance.
   </li>
   <li>
    Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on legal risk and strategic initiatives.
   </li>
  </ul>
  <li>
   Contract Management Hub
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Support the establishment of a contract management hub in India, including assisting with the recruitment and team design.
   </li>
   <li>
    Support the development of processes and frameworks for efficient contract lifecycle management.
   </li>
   <li>
    Partner with global commercial legal teams to ensure contract standards, templates, negotiation playbooks and clause libraries align with global expectations.
   </li>
   <li>
    Utilise legal technology and AI tools to ensure the contract management hub runs efficiently.
   </li>
  </ul>
  <li>
   Employment &amp; Labor Law
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Provide guidance on employment-related legal issues, including policies, disputes, and compliance with Indian labor laws.
   </li>
  </ul>
  <li>
   Cross-Border Legal Coordination
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Represent the Legal team in India leadership forums and cross‑functional initiatives.
   </li>
   <li>
    Support global projects with India execution requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
   </li>
   <li>
    Provide leadership, coaching, and development to India‑based legal professionals and contract managers.
   </li>
   <li>
    Work closely with global legal teams to align India operations with FNZ&rsquo;s group standards.
   </li>
   <li>
    Ensure compliance for the business to operate as an outsourced service provider to various regulated FNZ subsidiaries around the globe.
   </li>
  </ul>
  <li>
   Governance &amp; Company Secretarial
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Ensure strong governance and company secretarial oversight for all India entities, including board processes, filings, compliance calendars, and subsidiary governance.
   </li>
  </ul>
  <li>
   Legal Risk Management and Governance
  </li>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with India operations and outsourced service models.
   </li>
   <li>
    Build strong relationships with external counsel, manage external legal spend, and ensure consistent quality of advice.
   </li>
   <li>
    Maintain alignment with group governance frameworks, internal controls, and audit expectations.
    <br/>
   </li>
  </ul>
 </ul>
 <strong>
  Essential
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <strong>
  Experience &amp; Qualifications
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <ul>
  <li>
   The ideal candidate will bring deep experience supporting international organisations headquartered outside India.
  </li>
  <li>
   Senior Indian‑qualified lawyer with 12+ years PQE, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  </li>
  <li>
   Strong background in commercial contracting, employment law, governance, and company secretarial matters.
  </li>
  <li>
   Experience supporting outsourced or shared‑service centres in India delivering services to a global parent/subsidiary.
  </li>
  <li>
   Demonstrated ability to operate as a senior legal business partner, advising executive leadership.
  </li>
  <li>
   Experience managing or contributing to legal operations transformation.
  </li>
  <li>
   Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management skills.
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 <strong>
  Desirable
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Exposure to financial services, technology, or regulated environments.
  </li>
  <li>
   Experience working with global legal teams and matrix reporting structures.
  </li>
  <li>
   Familiarity with contract lifecycle management systems, AI‑enabled legal tools, and legal operations best practices.
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 <strong>
  Competencies
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Strategic Legal Advisory &ndash; Strategic thinking with strong business acumen and ability to influence senior leaders and drive decision‑making.
  </li>
  <li>
   Corporate Governance Expertise &ndash; Strong handling of governance, subsidiary management, and compliance frameworks.
  </li>
  <li>
   Leadership &amp; People Development &ndash; Capability to lead and build a local legal function.
  </li>
  <li>
   Commercial &amp; Operational Acumen &ndash; Understands outsourced‑service models, commercial risk, and customer/supplier dynamics.
  </li>
  <li>
   Process &amp; Technology Mindset &ndash; Comfortable designing scalable processes and leveraging legal tech tools.
  </li>
  <li>
   Growth Mindset - Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 <strong>
  About FNZ
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <em>
  FNZ is committed to opening up wealth so that everyone, everywhere can invest in their future on their terms. We know the foundation to do that already exists in the wealth management industry, but complexity holds firms back.
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </em>
 <em>
  We created wealth&rsquo;s growth platform to help. We provide a global, end-to-end wealth management platform that integrates modern technology with business and investment operations. All in a regulated financial institution.
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </em>
 <em>
  We partner with the world&rsquo;s leading financial institutions, with over US$2.2 trillion in assets on platform (AoP).
  <br/>
  <br/>
  Together with our clients, we empower nearly 30 million people across all wealth segments to invest in their future.
 </em>
</div>


Head of Legal, India

Lucidya

<div><p>Establishing the company's first dedicated Legal &amp; Compliance function. The successful candidate will build the Unit from the ground up, hiring and leading a team of specialists while establishing the governance frameworks, processes, and capabilities needed to support Lucidya's geographic expansion and enterprise growth ambitions.</p><p>
This role will provide strategic leadership and unification of Legal, Privacy, and GRC functions; serve as the principal advisor to the CEO on legal, regulatory, and compliance risk. Ensure Lucidya operates in full adherence to legal, regulatory, security, and contractual obligations while enabling growth, shortening enterprise sales cycles, and reducing organizational risk.</p><p></p><p>
Unit Leadership &amp; Strategy</p><ul>
<li>
Build and lead the Legal &amp;amp; Compliance unit, including the underlying functions.</li>
<li>Define and execute the Unit's strategy aligned with Lucidya's objective</li>
<li>Establish operating cadence, governance forums, and reporting mechanisms</li>
<li>Drive process excellence within Unit operations (contract turnaround, DDQ responses, policy management)</li>
</ul><p>
Legal &amp; Corporate Governance</p><ul>
<li>
Oversee all commercial contracting, ensuring appropriate risk allocation and legal protection</li>
<li>Approve contract playbooks, standard terms, and negotiation fallback positions</li>
<li>Sign material contracts, regulatory submissions, and formal legal correspondence</li>
<li>Oversee corporate governance including board materials, shareholder matters, and corporate records.</li>
<li>Manage external counsel relationships for litigation, specialized matters, and regional expertise</li></ul><p>
Compliance &amp; Risk Management</p><ul>
<li>
Own company-wide compliance posture across legal, privacy, and regulatory domains</li>
<li>Accept, mitigate, or escalate enterprise risks per the risk appetite framework</li>
<li>Chair the Risk &amp;amp; Compliance Committee; present quarterly updates to Executive team</li>
<li>Oversee regulatory mapping and compliance frameworks.</li>
<li>Ensure audit readiness and manage certification programs</li>
<li>Oversee BCP / Disaster Recovery governance (framework, BIA, testing coordination)</li>
<li>Provide oversight of the Data Privacy Office and ensure regulatory compliance</li>
<li>Ensure privacy-by-design principles are embedded across operations.</li>
<li>Oversee data governance, classification, and retention programs</li>
</ul><p>
Geographic Expansion</p><ul>
<li>
Lead legal &amp; compliance readiness for market entry into new jurisdictions (UAE, GCC, etc)</li>
<li>Oversee entity formation, corporate structuring, and local compliance requirements</li>
<li>Engage and manage local external counsel in new markets</li>
<li>Adapt contract playbooks and compliance artifacts for regional requirements</li>
</ul><p><b>
Requirements</b></p><ul>
<li>
Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) from a recognized institution</li>
<li>Advanced degree (LLM, MBA) preferred but not required</li>
<li>10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role</li>
<li>Demonstrated experience in technology/SaaS industry strongly preferred</li>
<li>Experience building and leading legal/compliance teams (ideally from inception)</li>
<li>Track record of multi-jurisdictional operations.</li>
<li>Familiarity with GCC regulatory environment; MENA experience highly valued</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of Saudi commercial law, corporate law, and regulatory landscape</li>
<li>Knowledge and understanding of data and security laws.</li>
<li>Knowledge of corporate governance best practices</li>
<li>Familiarity with enterprise risk management and GRC frameworks</li></ul></div>

Head of Legal and Compliance

Lucidya | لوسيديا

<div>
 Establishing the company's first dedicated Legal &amp; Compliance function. The successful candidate will build the Unit from the ground up, hiring and leading a team of specialists while establishing the governance frameworks, processes, and capabilities needed to support Lucidya's geographic expansion and enterprise growth ambitions.
 <br/>
 <br/>
 This role will provide strategic leadership and unification of Legal, Privacy, and GRC functions; serve as the principal advisor to the CEO on legal, regulatory, and compliance risk. Ensure Lucidya operates in full adherence to legal, regulatory, security, and contractual obligations while enabling growth, shortening enterprise sales cycles, and reducing organizational risk.
 <br/>
 <br/>
 Unit Leadership &amp; Strategy
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Build and lead the Legal &amp; Compliance unit, including the underlying functions
  </li>
  <li>
   Define and execute the Unit's strategy aligned with Lucidya's objective
  </li>
  <li>
   Establish operating cadence, governance forums, and reporting mechanisms
  </li>
  <li>
   Drive process excellence within Unit operations (contract turnaround, DDQ responses, policy management)
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 Legal &amp; Corporate Governance
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Oversee all commercial contracting, ensuring appropriate risk allocation and legal protection
  </li>
  <li>
   Approve contract playbooks, standard terms, and negotiation fallback positions
  </li>
  <li>
   Sign material contracts, regulatory submissions, and formal legal correspondence
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee corporate governance including board materials, shareholder matters, and corporate records
  </li>
  <li>
   Manage external counsel relationships for litigation, specialized matters, and regional expertise
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 Compliance &amp; Risk Management
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Own company-wide compliance posture across legal, privacy, and regulatory domains
  </li>
  <li>
   Accept, mitigate, or escalate enterprise risks per the risk appetite framework
  </li>
  <li>
   Chair the Risk &amp; Compliance Committee; present quarterly updates to Executive team
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee regulatory mapping and compliance frameworks
  </li>
  <li>
   Ensure audit readiness and manage certification programs
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee BCP / Disaster Recovery governance (framework, BIA, testing coordination)
  </li>
  <li>
   Provide oversight of the Data Privacy Office and ensure regulatory compliance
  </li>
  <li>
   Ensure privacy-by-design principles are embedded across operations
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee data governance, classification, and retention programs
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 Geographic Expansion
 <br/>
 <br/>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Lead legal &amp; compliance readiness for market entry into new jurisdictions (UAE, GCC, etc)
  </li>
  <li>
   Oversee entity formation, corporate structuring, and local compliance requirements
  </li>
  <li>
   Engage and manage local external counsel in new markets
  </li>
  <li>
   Adapt contract playbooks and compliance artifacts for regional requirements
   <br/>
   <br/>
  </li>
 </ul>
 <strong>
  Requirements
  <br/>
  <br/>
 </strong>
 <ul>
  <li>
   Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) from a recognized institution
  </li>
  <li>
   Advanced degree (LLM, MBA) preferred but not required
  </li>
  <li>
   10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
  </li>
  <li>
   Demonstrated experience in technology/SaaS industry strongly preferred
  </li>
  <li>
   Experience building and leading legal/compliance teams (ideally from inception)
  </li>
  <li>
   Track record of multi-jurisdictional operations
  </li>
  <li>
   Familiarity with GCC regulatory environment; MENA experience highly valued
  </li>
  <li>
   Strong knowledge of Saudi commercial law, corporate law, and regulatory landscape
  </li>
  <li>
   Knowledge and understanding of data and security laws
  </li>
  <li>
   Knowledge of corporate governance best practices
  </li>
  <li>
   Familiarity with enterprise risk management and GRC frameworks
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>


AKIRA

<div><p><b>AKIRA Head of LegalCompliance</b></p><p><br>
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to <i>Act and Think Like an Owner</i>, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.</p><p><b>
The Position: </b>Head of LegalCompliance</p><p><b><br>
Location: </b>Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite</p><p><b><br>
Position Summary:</b></p><p><br>
AKIRA is seeking a commercially driven, execution-focused Head of LegalCompliance to build and lead the company's internal legal function.</p><p>
This is a high-velocity, player-coach role for a business-minded attorney who can independently negotiate complex commercial agreements, aggressively manage outside litigation counsel, and proactively protect a fast-moving national retail brand.</p><p>
The role will directly support:</p><ul><li>
A national retail real estate portfolio</li><li>
A high-volume digital marketing and e-commerce engine</li><li>
A multi-state workforce</li><li>
A rapidly evolving technology stack</li></ul><p>
The successful candidate must be decisive, pragmatic, and comfortable operating at &quot;fashion speed&quot; - delivering real-time risk analysis while enabling growth.</p><p>
This position is hands-on. It is not a pure oversight role. The attorney must personally draft, redline, negotiate, and drive matters to resolution.<br>
<br>
<b>Core Responsibilities:</b><br>
<br>
<b>Retail Real EstateExpansion Strategy</b></p><ul><li>
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial retail leases, renewals, amendments, subleases, and guaranties.</li><li>
Partner with the Real Estate team on new market entry strategy and site risk assessment.</li><li>
Analyze and negotiate co-tenancy clauses, kick-outs, exclusives, CAM language, and landlord work letters.</li><li>
Lead lease abstract review and risk mitigation planning.</li></ul><p><b>
Portfolio Risk Management</b></p><ul><li>
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial retail leases, renewals, amendments, subleases, and guaranties.</li><li>
Partner with the Real Estate team on new market entry strategy and site risk assessment.</li><li>
Analyze and negotiate co-tenancy clauses, kick-outs, exclusives, CAM language, and landlord work letters.</li><li>
Lead lease abstract review and risk mitigation planning.</li></ul><p><b>
Portfolio Risk Management</b></p><br>
<ul><li>
Manage landlord disputes, default notices, CAM audits, and rent reconciliation matters.</li><li>
Coordinate outside real estate counsel when required.</li><li>
Provide risk analysis for store closures, relocations, and early terminations.</li></ul><p><b>
FacilitiesVendor Agreements</b></p><ul><li>
Review and negotiate construction contracts, contractor agreements, maintenance vendors, and logistics providers.</li><li>
Ensure indemnification, insurance, and limitation-of-liability protections are properly structured.</li></ul><p><b><br>
Technology, SaaSIntellectual Property</b></p><p><b><br>
SaaSIT Procurement</b></p><ul><li>
Lead legal review and negotiation of:<ul><li>
SaaS agreements</li><li>
Enterprise licenses</li><li>
Technology integrations</li><li>
IT managed service contracts</li></ul></li><li>
Negotiate:<ul><li>
Data security provisions</li><li>
Service level agreements (SLAs)</li><li>
Uptime guarantees</li><li>
Liability caps</li><li>
Indemnification protections</li></ul></li><li>
Partner with IT leadership to balance risk vs operational speed.</li></ul><p><b>
E-CommerceData Compliance</b></p><ul><li>
Ensure contracts adequately protect AKIRA's:<ul><li>
Customer data</li><li>
Payment systems</li><li>
E-commerce uptime</li><li>
Marketing platforms</li></ul></li><li>
Review vendor security posture and privacy terms.</li></ul><p><b>
Intellectual Property Protection</b></p><ul><li>
Manage trademark portfolio (filings, renewals, enforcement).</li><li>
Oversee brand protection matters in fast-fashion enforcement scenarios.</li><li>
Coordinate outside IP counsel on infringement disputes.</li></ul><p><b><br>
Litigation ManagementInsurance Strategy</b></p><p><br>
AKIRA maintains active federal and state litigation matters typical of large retail and digital brands.</p><p><b>
Strategic Litigation Oversight</b></p><ul><li>
Direct outside counsel on:<ul><li>
TCPA class actions</li><li>
ADA website accessibility claims</li><li>
Consumer protection disputes</li><li>
Contract disputes</li><li>
Employment claims</li></ul></li><li>
Evaluate exposure and provide executive-level risk assessments.</li><li>
Develop litigation strategy aligned with cost control and brand protection.</li></ul><p><b>
Insurance RecoveryCoverage Advocacy</b></p><ul><li>
Act as primary liaison with carriers (CNA, Travelers, EMC).</li><li>
Manage tenders and challenge coverage denials.</li><li>
Review and negotiate policy renewals with brokers.</li><li>
Optimize coverage positioning and recovery strategy.</li></ul><p><b>
ResolutionSettlement</b></p><ul><li>
Lead settlement strategy discussions.</li><li>
Participate in mediations.</li><li>
Drive cost-effective closure of active matters.</li></ul><p><b><br>
Employment LawMarketing Compliance</b></p><p><b>
Employment Risk Advisory</b></p><ul><li>
Advise HR and executive leadership on:<ul><li>
Wagehour compliance</li><li>
Termination strategy</li><li>
Multi-state employment issues</li><li>
Discrimination and retaliation risk mitigation</li></ul></li><li>
Review employment agreements and policy updates.</li></ul><p><b>
MarketingPrivacy Compliance</b></p><ul><li>
Provide guardrails for:<ul><li>
SMS marketing</li><li>
Email marketing</li><li>
Consumer data usage</li></ul></li><li>
Ensure compliance with:<ul><li>
TCPA</li><li>
CCPA</li><li>
CAN-SPAM</li><li>
Emerging state privacy regulations</li></ul></li></ul><p><b><br>
STRATEGIC EXPECTATIONS</b></p><p>
Within 12 months, this role should:</p><ul><li>
Reduce outside counsel spend through improved matter management.</li><li>
Standardize contract templates and playbooks.</li><li>
Improve lease negotiation efficiency.</li><li>
Strengthen insurance recovery outcomes.</li><li>
Implement a risk-prioritization framework for leadership.</li><li>
Establish a centralized legal tracking system for active matters.</li></ul><p><b><br>
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS</b></p><p><b>
Education</b></p><ul><li>
Juris Doctor (J.D.)</li><li>
Active Illinois Bar License (in good standing)</li></ul><p><b>
Experience</b></p><ul><li>
5&ndash;9 years of legal practice.</li><li>
Combination of:<ul><li>
Commercial transactions (retail leasing and SaaS strongly preferred)</li><li>
Litigation management (insurance-backed defense experience required)</li></ul></li><li>
Prior in-house retail or technology company experience strongly preferred.</li></ul><p><b>
Technical Capability</b></p><ul><li>
Proven ability to independently redline:<ul><li>
Retail leases</li><li>
Complex SaaS agreements</li></ul></li><li>
Comfortable managing multiple live disputes simultaneously.</li></ul><p><b>
Business Orientation</b></p><ul><li>
Pragmatic decision-maker.</li><li>
Understands risk vs reward.</li><li>
Can provide clear, executive-level summaries.</li><li>
Moves quickly without sacrificing precision.</li></ul><p><b><br>
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE</b></p><ul><li>
Comfortable in an entrepreneurial, founder-driven culture.</li><li>
High accountability and ownership mindset.</li><li>
Comfortable challenging insurance carriers and outside counsel.</li><li>
Not bureaucratic.</li><li>
Executes decisively.</li><li>
Understands both brick-and-mortar retail and digital risk.</li></ul><p><b><br>
TEAM STRUCTURE</b></p><ul><li>
Direct report to COO.</li><li>
Will manage outside counsel across:<ul><li>
Real estate</li><li>
Litigation</li><li>
IP</li><li>
Employment</li></ul></li><li>
No direct reports initially; opportunity to build legal team over time.</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Benefits and Perks:</b><br>
<b>AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.</b><br>
<br>
<b>Compensation:</b><b>
</b><br>
<b>At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.</b></h2><h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Job Type:</b><b> Full-Time</b></h2></div>

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