The Group Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer is responsible for leading the Group's global legal, compliance, and governance framework, ensuring effective risk management, regulatory and internal compliance, and legal oversight across all jurisdictions in which the Group operates. The role supports the CFO and executive leadership by embedding a structured, risk-based and control-oriented approach, drawing on experience from highly regulated environments. The Group Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer reports to the Group CFO.
Your responsibilities:
Legal, Governance & Compliance
Act as senior legal advisor to the CFO, CEO and Board
Manage corporate governance, board processes and shareholder matters
Identify, assess and escalate legal and compliance risks
Build and maintain the corporate Compliance & Governance framework
Conduct internal risk and compliance assessments with reporting to the Board
Monitor remediation from risks and internal controls
Collaborate with internal teams, auditors and regulators
Commercial & Corporate
Oversee complex commercial contracts (Supply, Manufacturing, Distribution, Licensing, R&D)
Support M&A, restructuring and cross-border transactions
Manage contract repositories
Policies & Controls
Own and maintain group-wide legal and compliance policies (Code of Conduct, ABC, Antitrust, Whistleblowing, Delegation of Authority, etc.)
Ensure consistent implementation through training and monitoring
Manage central repositories for policies and controls
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with laws and certifications across all functions
Monitor regulatory developments (Food law, Labelling, Product liability, ESG, GDPR, etc.)
Work closely with Quality, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, IT and Operations
IP, Litigation, Insurance & Employment
Oversee trademarks, patents, know‑how and brand protection activities
Manage litigation and external counsel
Oversee insurance programs
Support employment law matters and executive governance topics
Leadership
Lead and develop the Group Legal & Compliance function
Define priorities, KPIs and resource plans aligned with CFO strategy
Your profile:
Master's degree in Law; Additional specialization in Compliance, Governance, Risk, Food Law or Data Protection is a plus
10+ years in legal/compliance roles within multinational companies or top-tier international law firms
Experience in regulated industries (Food, Pharma, FMCG, Manufacturing) preferred
Expertise in corporate/commercial law, regulatory matters, M&A, litigation and insurance
Strong communication and senior stakeholder management skills
Open to travel
Fluent in English; Italian and/or German considered a plus
Your benefits:
Global Mindset: Working in an international environment
Nature meets Design: Working in the midst of greenery in a highly modern and sustainable workplace
Perfect Start: An individual \"Onboarding Program\" and support from your buddy
Childcare: An in-house daycare center and \"Dr. Schär Kids Care\"
Flexibility: Life-phase-oriented work with flexible working hours and smart working
Long Term Wellbeing: Health and pension fund and in-house fitness program
Growth: Dr. Schär Academy with a variety of training opportunities and language programs