Legal Manager

We are seeking an experienced Legal Manager / Head of Legal Department to lead and oversee all legal, regulatory and compliance matters across multiple business units, including retail, manufacturing, international trade, franchising and corporate structures.

This role requires a hands-on legal leader who can take full ownership of existing legal processes, manage and develop a legal team, and act as a strategic partner to management in a fast-paced international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Leadership & Governance

Lead and develop the in-house legal team, set legal standards and processes, and act as the primary legal advisor to senior management.

Commercial Contract Oversight

Oversee and approve commercial contracts (leases, suppliers, customers, export), key risk positions, non-standard terms, and contract escalation matters.

Disputes & Risk Management

Supervise handling of disputes, claims, non-payment, terminations, and settlements, and advise management on legal risk mitigation.

Regulatory, Licensing & Authorities

Oversee trade licences, permits, regulatory compliance, inspections, fines, and authority correspondence; approve regulatory legal positions.

Consumer, Franchise & Marketing Compliance

Supervise legal support for consumer complaints, franchise matters, and review of marketing and advertising compliance.

Corporate, IP & Financing

Oversee corporate governance, filings, resolutions, IP portfolio management, and bank financing documentation and negotiations.

Compliance, Projects & Controls

Oversee compliance frameworks (KYC, sanctions), manufacturing/export compliance, construction and lease matters, and legal document control.

Requirements

• Law degree / legal education (mandatory)
• Fluent English (mandatory)
• 6+ years experience in-house or in international legal consulting
• Strong background in commercial, corporate, regulatory, and trade law
• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Ability to work independently in a multi-entity environment
• Russian language is an advantage
• UAE/GCC experience preferred