Head Legal IT and Business Operations 80-100%

Zurich; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Zurich is seeking a strategic Corporate Center Legal lead in Zürich to guide IT, business operations, and sourcing matters. You will advise on complex matters, lead a high-performing team, and shape the legal direction aligned with Zurich's priorities.

Ideal candidates bring extensive sourcing negotiations experience, a Swiss law degree, and fluency in English; Swiss leadership exposure and LL.M. are advantageous. Hybrid work in Zurich is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic sourcing and complex IT-related contracting.
• Proven track record in negotiations for international contracts.
• Ability to translate regulatory issues into practical legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic legal counterpart to procurement, shaping sourcing strategy.
• Provide pragmatic legal guidance on IT and business operations, including cybersecurity.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex sourcing agreements (IT infra, cloud, outsourcing).
• Maintain and improve templates and intra-group agreements.
• Lead governance improvements to support responsible business execution.
• Build relationships across Zurich's global businesses and functions.
• Define and deliver strategic direction for Legal IT & Business Operations.
• Lead a high-performing team with clear priorities and growth.
• Advance a legal operating model using technology for efficient services.
• Manage external counsel and engage with regulators.

Skills

Sourcing negotiations

IT contracts

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Strategic advisory

Education

Law degree (Switzerland)

Job description

Join our team at the Group-s Corporate Center Legal team and help enable Zurich-s success by providing strategic legal support across IT, business operations and strategic sourcing. In this role, you will advise on complex legal matters, collaborate closely with Zurich-s industry-leading teams and set the strategic direction for your team. This is an exciting opportunity to grow, innovate and make an impact as part of a passionate team.

What you will do

• Serve as a strategic legal counterpart to the procurement organization, help shape sourcing strategy, constructively challenge established approaches.
• Provide strategic, pragmatic and actionable legal advice on complex IT and business operations matters, including operational resilience and cybersecurity.
• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex sourcing arrangements, including major international contracts for IT infrastructure, cloud and AI services, IT outsourcing and regulated outsourcing.
• Maintain and continuously improve templates and intra-group agreements.
• Constantly identify and implement opportunities to make governance processes and related frameworks effective, proportionate and supportive of responsible business execution.
• Build trusted relationships across Zurich-s businesses and functions globally, and use your influence to shape key decisions, strategic projects and business initiatives.
• Define and deliver the strategic direction for Legal IT & Business Operations, aligned with Zurich-s business priorities, risk appetite and broader legal strategy.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team by setting clear priorities and fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous professional growth.
• Advance a legal operating model that uses technology to deliver efficient, scalable and commercially focused legal services.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and engage constructively with relevant regulatory authorities.

What you bring

• A proactive, hands-on, curious and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to think creatively and navigate complex issues.
• Extensive expertise and a strong track record in sourcing and negotiations, particularly in IT services and ideally gained at an international insurance company, leading law firm or global organization.
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to set direction, build capability and create an inclusive, high-performing team culture.
• Strong strategic judgment and commercial acumen, with the ability to evaluate complex legal and regulatory issues and translate them into practical legal advice for business stakeholders.
• Credibility and confidence to advise, challenge and influence senior executives and stakeholders across businesses, functions and geographies.
• A law degree and bar exam, preferably from Switzerland.
• Postgraduate studies, such as an LL.M., and other relevant qualifications are advantageous.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is desirable.

You belong here.

Imagine working in one of the world-s most sustainable workplaces. At Quai Zurich Campus, you-ll enjoy an environment designed to help you thrive, with benefits that support your well-being and impact, and opportunities to perform at your best, surrounded by top talent and supportive colleagues.

You-ll have access to healthy food options, fitness facilities, and bright, collaborative spaces that spark creativity. Located in the heart of Zurich on the shores of Lake Zurich, the campus offers excellent public transportation links, making your commute simple.

Grow with us through access to learning resources, on-the-job development, and continuous empowerment and support. Be part of a team that is creating a brighter future together.

About Us

Zurich is a leading multi-line insurer, serving over 82 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 65,000 employees.
For over 150 years, Zurich has been transforming insurance - offering not just protection, but also prevention services that promote well-being and climate resilience.
Guided by our purpose to -create a brighter future together,- we aim to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world.

Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications, as well as any associated fees.

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right?

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that-s what makes our team so great!
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.

• Location(s): CH - Zürich
• Remote working: Hybrid
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Grace Cunningham