Head of Legal and Compliance

Our client is a World Leader in the export of tax-free motors. They have been providing quality vehicles to government agencies, NGO’s, hospitals, embassies, business and private customers from their branches located in Belgium, Australia, Thailand, Germany, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Job Purpose
The Head of Legal will serve as the primary legal authority within The Group, providing strategic legal counsel and ensuring the organization operates in full compliance with UAE federal and emirate-level laws and regulations. This role is responsible for managing all legal affairs of the Group, including corporate governance, contract management, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution and proactive risk mitigation. The Head of Legal will work closely with senior leadership to align legal strategy with business objectives and protect the Group’s interests across all operational domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Strategy & Corporate Governance
• Develop and implement the Group’s legal strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and growth plans.
• Advise the Board of Directors and senior management on all legal, regulatory and governance matters.
• Establish and maintain internal legal policies, compliance frameworks and governance structures.
• Provide periodic reports to the Board on ongoing legal matters, exposure and future risks.

• Contract Management & Commercial Transactions
• Review, draft and approve all material contracts, including supply, distribution, partnership, financing, real estate and joint venture agreements.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates to safeguard the company’s interests and minimize legal risk.
• Negotiate contract terms with counterparties, external counsel and business partners.
• Assess legal and commercial risks prior to any contractual or investment commitment.

• Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations
• Ensure full and ongoing compliance with applicable UAE federal laws, DIFC/ADGM regulations, and local emirate-level legislation.
• Liaise with government authorities and regulatory bodies including the Ministry of Labour (MOHRE), Municipality, DED, UAE Central Bank and other relevant entities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively advise management on required policy adjustments.
• Manage corporate licensing, regulatory approvals, and registrations across all Group entities.

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
• Oversee all litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution matters in coordination with external law firms.
• Formulate and approve litigation or settlement strategies before escalation to executive management.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring quality, cost-efficiency and alignment with Group interests.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of all legal proceedings, claims, and contingent liabilities.

• Legal Risk Management
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across all business functions.
• Conduct legal due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, new market entry, and strategic partnerships.
• Implement risk registers and legal audit processes to proactively address vulnerabilities.

• Compliance, Ethics & Training
• Develop and enforce internal compliance policies including anti-bribery, anti-corruption, data protection, and whistleblower policies.
• Design and deliver legal awareness and compliance training programs for employees on key topics such as contract obligations, data privacy, workplace regulations, and ethical conduct.
• Ensure adherence to the UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements where applicable.

• Team Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and manage the in-house legal team, setting clear objectives and performance standards.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing legal function that supports all business units effectively.
• Evaluate and manage the appointment of external legal advisors and law firms as required.

Skills & Competencies

Functional Skills

• Expert knowledge of UAE contract law, commercial law, and corporate transactions.
• Strong command of UAE real estate law, property transactions, and construction contracts.
• Familiarity with automobile industry regulations, distribution agreements, and consumer protection laws.
• Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and opinion writing in both English and Arabic.
• Experience with arbitration, litigation management, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Understanding of corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and regulatory reporting.

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills (written and verbal in English and Arabic).
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• High ethical standards, professional integrity, and sound judgment.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in law (LLB), (LLM) or MBA with a legal specialization from an accredited university.
• UAE Bar admission or equivalent legal qualification.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior managerial or Head of Legal role.
• Proven track record in corporate and commercial law within the UAE or GCC region.

Certifications
Excellent skillset: English & Arabic (ESSENTIAL)