The company:
Our client is a well-established global aviation group, with operations across EMEA, USA and APAC and a trusted reputation worldwide. The company is experiencing rapid growth and expanding business activities, and with this growth they have established a new position at the group level.
The role:
The Group Legal Counsel will lead the group's legal function, playing a key role in protecting the business interests of the group, mitigating risk, and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions. This is a strategic leadership role with group-wide oversight, advising senior executives on business matters and leading a geographically distributed legal team while remaining directly involved in high-impact legal matters. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategic legal role and make a significant impact across complex, cross-border operations.
What the company offers:
The company offers a dynamic, innovative environment with strong professional growth opportunities, along with attractive benefits and relocation support.
This role requires relocation to Malta, with company support provided.
Responsibilities:
* Lead and oversee the legal function, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development to the team.
* Design and implement legal strategies that align with the Group's overall business objectives.
* Advise senior leaders and executives on legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters to support critical business decisions.
* Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, and industry standards across multiple jurisdictions.
* Provide clear, practical legal advice across a broad range of business areas.
* Draft, negotiate, and review complex international contracts, including joint ventures, partnerships, and other high-value commercial agreements.
* Establish, restructure, and manage corporate entities, maintaining strong governance both locally and internationally.
* Support business acquisitions, divestments, ownership structures, and registration requirements.
* Guide dispute resolution processes, including settlements, claims, litigation, and arbitration, while coordinating with external counsel and monitoring case progress.
* Oversee contract management processes, contribute to template development, streamline workflows, and strengthen the Group's Legal Framework.
* Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations, including sanctions and other compliance requirements.
Requirements:
* Law degree, Bachelor's and/or Master's
* Experience in group legal counsel role / senior in-house legal counsel, ideally in an international setting managing teams in multiple countries.
* Solid expertise in corporate law and international contracts, with experience in complex commercial agreements, joint ventures, partnerships.
* Experience with the aviation / transportation / logistics industries is a strong advantage.
* Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills; able to assess risk andprovide clear advice under uncertainty.
* Excellent communication and influencing ability; capable of engaging with senior leadership and stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
* Proactive, adaptable, hands-on, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects effectively.