Legal Counsel (all genders)

GAC Motor Europe; Graz; On-site; EUR 50,220 - 83,700; Full time

Job summary

GAC Motor Austria GmbH is seeking a commercially minded Legal Counsel to help build our Austrian legal and compliance function, advise management and support key business activities. The scope will be tailored to your experience, with strong emphasis on Austrian corporate, commercial and contract law.

Based in Raaba near Graz, you will implement group-wide processes, draft, review and negotiate contracts relating to vehicle sales, dealer networks, procurement, supply chain, logistics and

Qualifications

• A law degree or equivalent qualification.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in a law firm or in-house legal department; senior profiles welcome.
• Strong knowledge of Austrian corporate, commercial and contract law; automotive/supply chain experience preferred.
• Excellent command of German and English; other languages are an advantage.
• Strong drafting, review and negotiation skills with interest in legal tech and AI-assisted solutions.
• Structured, independent, solution-oriented approach with commercial awareness and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop the Austrian legal and compliance function in collaboration with the European Regional Centre.
• Implement and localise group-wide legal processes, approvals, documentation standards and governance.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts related to vehicle sales, dealer networks, procurement, supply chain and employment matters.
• Advise management with pragmatic, commercially viable legal guidance.
• Translate EU/group compliance into local processes (data protection, competition law, ESG, trade, advertising, consumer law).
• Support or lead corporate governance matters, regulatory proceedings and disputes while coordinating external law firms and budget.

Skills

German language

English language

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Commercial awareness

Education

Law degree

Job description

Position Overview

Drive Legal Change. Your legal expertise. Our road ahead.

RAABA NEAR GRAZ

• FULL-TIME
• START DATE BY AGREEMENT

GAC Motor Austria GmbH is the Austrian subsidiary of GAC Group, one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers and mobility companies. As part of GAC’s European expansion, our team in Raaba near Graz supports vehicle distribution, dealer development and the long‑term growth of the GAC Motor brand in Austria and selected European markets.

With vehicles produced in Graz, we combine the strength of an international automotive group with the entrepreneurial spirit of a growing local organisation.

To support this development, we are looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to help build our legal and compliance structures, advise management and support key business activities. The scope of responsibility will be tailored to the successful candidate’s experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and continuously develop the Austrian legal and compliance function in close cooperation with the European Regional Centre
• Implement and localise group‑wide legal processes, approval procedures, documentation standards and governance structures
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts relating to vehicle sales, dealer networks, procurement, supply chain, logistics and employment matters
• Advise management and business functions by providing pragmatic, commercially viable and solution‑oriented legal guidance
• Translate European and group‑wide compliance requirements into practical local processes, particularly in the areas of data protection, competition law, ESG, trade compliance, advertising and consumer law
• Support and, depending on your experience, lead corporate governance matters, regulatory proceedings and disputes while coordinating external law firms and managing the local legal budget

Qualifications

• A completed university degree in law or a formally recognised equivalent qualification
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in a law firm or an in‑house legal department; seasoned senior profiles are equally welcome
• Strong knowledge of Austrian corporate, commercial and contract law, ideally combined with experience in the automotive, manufacturing, logistics or supply chain sector
• Excellent command of German and fluent English; Chinese or other language skills are considered an advantage
• Strong contract drafting, legal review and negotiation skills, combined with an interest in legal technology, digital workflows and AI‑supported solutions
• A structured, independent and solution‑oriented approach, together with commercial awareness, sound risk judgement, integrity and strong intercultural communication skills

Why this role stands out

• A unique opportunity to build and shape the legal and compliance function of GAC Motor Austria from the ground up
• Direct collaboration with the Austrian management team and international decision‑makers across the European organisation
• A strategically important role within a dynamic and internationally growing automotive company
• A high level of autonomy and the opportunity to make a visible impact from day one
• The freedom to introduce modern legal processes, digital workflows and AI‑supported solutions
• Long‑term development opportunities and the chance to contribute directly to the growth of GAC Motor Austria

Compensation

For this full‑time position, we offer a gross monthly salary of EUR 4,500 to EUR 7,500, paid 14 times per year. The final offer will reflect your qualifications, relevant professional experience, industry expertise and the scope of responsibility. This range exceeds the minimum remuneration under the applicable collective agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

GAC Motor Austria is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and a respectful working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, background, religion or belief, sexual orientation or disability.