Head of international legal affairs

About Job

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced, commercially minded, and visionary Head of International Legal Affairs to lead complex international commercial matters. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will leverage your extensive cross-border experience to shape strategic commercial decisions, drive solutions, and manage external counsel globally. If you thrive on leading multi-jurisdictional matters independently and mentoring legal professionals, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership:

• Independently lead complex commercial matters from initial instruction through to successful execution.

• Provide strategic corporate advisory with a highly analytical, practical, and business-oriented approach to risk assessment.

• Exercise strong judgment and decision-making skills to deliver solutions-oriented legal support.

Core Legal Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, cross-border transactions, and franchising agreements.

• Apply a deep understanding of common law principles and international commercial contracting to all daily operations.

• Conduct excellent legal research and deliver clear, high-quality written communications.

Multi-Jurisdictional & Team Coordination:

• Handle multi-jurisdictional legal matters efficiently and effectively.

• Manage, coordinate, and oversee external counsel across multiple jurisdictions.

• Provide strong mentoring and leadership capabilities to guide initiatives and ensure seamless coordination.

Job Requirements

Experience & Education:

• Qualified lawyer in England & Wales (or another comparable common law jurisdiction).

• 10+ years post-qualification experience.

• Previous experience with a leading international law firm and/or a multinational corporation.

• Strong background in commercial contracts, cross-border transactions, franchising, corporate advisory, and strategic commercial matters.

Core Competencies (Technical & Personal):

• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.

• Commercially minded and solutions-oriented.

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Collaborative, proactive, and dependable in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Requirement:

• Given the international nature of the role, preference will be given to candidates who are qualified in a common law jurisdiction (preferably England & Wales) and who bring international legal experience.

• Please note: For this position, we are specifically looking to recruit an international male lawyer.