Senior Legal Counsel Central EMEA

About the role

As a Senior Legal Counsel for Central EMEA, you will provide pragmatic legal advice to our Packaging, Paper and Recycling businesses across the D‑ACH and Benelux markets. You will work within a regional legal team, collaborating closely with Group Legal and business functions to support commercial activities and ensure compliance in an international environment.

Key responsibilities

• Support and advise Managing Directors and senior management on strategic and operational legal matters across Central EMEA.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex agreements with customers, suppliers and partners, including tender and technology contracts.
• Develop and apply standardized contracting approaches using Group Legal templates, guidelines and playbooks.
• Identify, assess and mitigate material legal, regulatory and compliance risks.
• Provide counsel on corporate law, governance, intra‑group arrangements and regulatory requirements.
• Manage disputes and regulatory proceedings, coordinating external counsel as needed.
• Support international business, integration, transformation projects and M&A transactions involving Central EMEA.
• Collaborate on incorporating AI and technology‑enabled platforms into legal processes.

Required profile

• Completed legal education and admission to practise in Germany, Austria, Belgium or the Netherlands, or an equivalent qualification.
• At least eight years of relevant experience, preferably in an international company or leading commercial law firm.
• Strong knowledge of contract, commercial, business and corporate law, as well as corporate governance and compliance.
• Proven experience handling complex commercial agreements, cross‑border matters, disputes and transactions.
• Excellent commercial judgment and ability to translate legal issues into clear recommendations.
• Fluent English and strong German or Dutch language skills; additional languages are a plus.
• Autonomous, solution‑focused approach with willingness to travel regularly across Central EMEA.

Required skills

• Expertise in contract drafting and negotiation.
• In‑depth understanding of corporate and commercial law.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and dispute management.
• Ability to work with AI‑enabled legal technology platforms.