We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel  for our client, a reputable tobacco company based in Dubai.

Department: Group Legal

Location: UAE or Other (Regional Role)(Remote working)

Job Purpose

The Legal Counsel will provide comprehensive legal advisory and support services across the Group’s operations, with a primary focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while also supporting other markets including but not limited to Kuwait, the UK, and additional jurisdictions as required. The role ensures legal compliance, supports commercial, Corporate Governance, and HR activities.

Manages external counsel and mitigates legal and regulatory risks across multiple entities and markets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of legal documents, including:

• 1. Commercial and consultancy agreements
  2. Distribution, agency, and reseller agreements
  3. Licensing and service agreements
  4. Sales, procurement, and supply contracts
  5. NDAs, MOUs, and amendments
• Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to internal stakeholders across commercial, finance, HR, operations, and management.
• Ensure contractual arrangements comply with applicable international laws, as well as internal policies and risk standards.

2. Regional Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Monitor and interpret changes in laws and regulations across KSA, UAE, Kuwait and other relevant markets.
• Advise management on regulatory developments and their impact on business operations.
• Support regulatory filings, licenses, and approvals in coordination with local advisors and authorities.
• Ensure proper maintenance of legal records and documentation in Arabic and English.

3. HR & Employment Law Advisory

• Provide legal support to HR on employment matters across multiple jurisdictions, including:

• 1. Employment contracts and policies
  2. Disciplinary actions and terminations
  3. Employee disputes and grievances
• Support investigations and ensure fair and legally compliant HR practices.

4. Litigation & External Counsel Management

• Manage and coordinate with external legal counsel across different jurisdictions.
• Support litigation, claims, and disputes, including preparation of case documentation and follow-up with external lawyers.
• Represent the Group, through external counsel, before governmental, judicial, and regulatory bodies.
• Track legal cases, risks, and outcomes and report regularly to senior management.

5. Corporate, Commercial & Strategic Projects

• Support corporate activities such as:

• 1. Company incorporations and restructurings
  2. Joint ventures and shareholder arrangements
  3. Mergers, acquisitions, and divestments
  4. Cross-border commercial initiatives

• Assist in legal due diligence and documentation for regional and international projects.

6. Governance, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Prepare periodic legal reports covering:

• 1. Status of contracts, disputes, and legal matters
  2. Key legal risks and mitigation actions

• Support corporate governance requirements, including:

• 1. Board and shareholder resolutions
  2. Powers of attorney and authorized signatories

• Contribute to improving legal processes, templates, and policies across the Group.
• Recommend initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, and risk management within the Legal function.

7. General Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the Group legal database and filing system.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to enable business growth while minimizing legal exposure.
• Perform additional legal duties as assigned by the Head of Legal.

Qualifications & Education

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent

Preferred:

• Legal qualification or bar membership in KSA or UAE
• Exposure to GCC and international legal frameworks

Experience

Minimum:

• 6 to 8 years of experience in a legal counsel or similar role

Preferred:

• Experience supporting multi-country operations
• Strong exposure to commercial, corporate, and employment law
• Experience in FMCG, retail, trading, consulting, or multi-entity groups

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of KSA and UAE legal frameworks
• Ability to manage legal matters across multiple jurisdictions
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent in English and Arabic
• Commercially minded with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach
• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities