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)