Senior Legal Manager - Germany

For one of our international clients, BaanClaesen is supporting the market entry and growth in Europe of a new automotive brand, backed by one of the worlds largest automotive manufacturing groups. For the German market we are looking for a Senior Legal Manager.

Role Context

For the Benelux operations of an international organisation, located in Frankfurt, we are looking for an experienced (Senior) Legal Manager who will take end-to-end responsibility for the regional legal function.

This role combines strategic legal advisory with hands-on execution . You will act as a trusted sparring partner to senior management, ensuring legal robustness while actively supporting the business in achieving its growth and operational objectives across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and further professionalise the legal function for the German market.
• Advise senior management on legal strategy, risk exposure, and governance topics.
• Ensure alignment between regional legal practices, corporate policies, and applicable local and international legislation.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including dealer and after-sales contracts, purchase and cooperation agreements, NDAs and memoranda.
• Develop and maintain contract standards, templates and governance processes to support efficient and compliant operations.
• Provide legal support on cross-border transactions and regional commercial initiatives.

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including trade law, data protection, M&A filings, anti-bribery, sanctions and related frameworks.
• Support due diligence processes for new partners, dealers and strategic collaborations.

Dispute Resolution & Risk Management

• Advise on disputes, claims and operational legal risks.
• Coordinate investigations and resolution processes in close cooperation with operations and management.

HR & Employment Law

• Provide legal guidance on employment law matters and HR-related issues within the region.

External Counsel & Team Development

• Select, manage and challenge external legal counsel to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
• Coach and develop junior or regional legal team members, contributing to sustainable capability building.

Candidate Profile

• Law degree (LLB or LLM) from a recognised international law school.
• 5–10 years of post-qualification experience in corporate and commercial law, preferably in a multinational environment.
• Experience within automotive, manufacturing or complex B2B organisations is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to operate independently in a multi-country, international setting .
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills at senior management level.
• Fluency in both Ferman and English is required; additional European languages are an advantage.
• High level of integrity, ownership and a proactive, pragmatic mindset.

Core Competencies

• Legal Strategy & Risk Management
• Commercial Contracting & Negotiation
• Compliance & Regulatory Expertise
• Dispute Resolution
• Stakeholder Management & Business Partnership
• Cross-Border Legal Coordination

Feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation or send a direct message to explore how your experience could align with this role.

Contact:

Joost Baan
Managing Partner
m: +31(0)653211331
e: [email protected]