Chief Legal Officer

In preparation for the succession of our Chief Legal Officer, we are seeking a highly qualified and experienced professional to lead and manage the legal team. The jobholder is expected to support and advise management and internal customers on legal and compliance-related issues, supervise all legal matters, review and approve major contracts, manage litigations, and ensure Group-wide business operates within the law while steering the clearing of unreasonable legal risks and continuing the company's profitable growth.

The ideal candidate will have experience advising on legal matters in the manufacturing industry or technology sectors and possess insight into new legal developments (e.g., AI regulations) as well as data protection and privacy.

The role will be based in our headquarters located in Rümlang, Switzerland, and is also open for people willing to relocate.

A job that matters: Your Tasks

• Assure the management of Compliance, Patents, Data Privacy, and General Legal of the Group.
• Establish and negotiate agreements and other legal documents required in the course of regular business as this relates to customers, suppliers, business partners, and employees.
• Provide timely legal advice and solutions to management and internal customers to advance dormakaba's business (including M&A activities, intellectual property rights, insurances from a legal perspective).
• Establish and implement legal directives (including observation of group-wide compliance).
• Establish and supervise legal acts related to the legal entities such as establishment and abolishment or merger of companies, shareholders’ and board meetings, decisions and resolutions, share capital amendments.
• Liaise and retain outside legal counsel as necessary, particularly in the areas of litigation, M&A, real estate, and foreign law.
• Manage litigations (including reporting to EC and Audit Committee).
• Stay abreast of developments in the law (including compliance) as they pertain to dormakaba’s business, take/recommend appropriate action to advance and protect the company’s interest, and ensure management is kept informed of legal issues and their potential impact on the business, providing legal training if necessary.

An experience that matters: Your Skills

• European legal qualification or common law legal qualification (Master of Law or equivalent); additional post-graduate studies in other jurisdictions would be an advantage.
• 10+ years progressing in legal professional and leadership roles in an international environment.
• Corporate law expertise: extensive experience in corporate governance, M&A transactions, and complex commercial agreements within a global business context.
• Proven track record in navigating complex regulatory environments, including knowledge of data protection laws, intellectual property rights, employment legislation, and sector-specific regulations.
• Litigation management: Strong capabilities in overseeing litigation strategies and ensuring effective dispute resolution processes that align with organizational goals.
• International experience: Ability to manage legal issues across multiple jurisdictions, particularly relevant for businesses operating globally.
• Leadership: Ability to bring and keep people together to achieve objectives as a team. Strong networking ability, reliability, and pragmatic attitude.
• Ability to recognize business issues and trends ahead of time and to focus on efficiency and planning, as well as progress tracking.
• Master complexity and develop (new) solutions through analytical, evaluative, and innovative thinking.

A workplace that matters: Our offering

• Best opportunities in a globally operating company valuing diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and mutual trust.
• International exposure and diverse legal challenges.
• Collaborative work environment with a high level of freedom.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development and protection of advanced technologies that have a direct impact on global security infrastructure.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Hybrid working model.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• A first-class workplace, including Employee Restaurant.

dormakaba is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.