Head of Legal (Europe) – Germany

Oakleaf Partnership is proud to be supporting a leading global manufacturer within the industrial and energy sector – a business at the forefront of power drive system solutions, operating at scale across Europe and beyond.

With thousands of employees across the continent and a significant presence in Germany, the business is now seeking a Head of Legal (Europe) to lead its legal function across multiple jurisdictions. This is a senior and visible role with real breadth – covering legal operations, compliance, governance, and strategic advisory in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities :

Legal Leadership & Compliance :

Take ownership of legal strategy across Europe – with a focus on Germany. Lead contract negotiations, establish compliance frameworks, and provide proactive legal guidance to the business.

Subsidiary & Governance Support :

Manage the full legal lifecycle for European subsidiaries. Prepare governance documentation, support legal structuring, and ensure alignment across jurisdictions.

Dispute Resolution & Risk :

Oversee litigation, arbitration, and internal investigations. Coordinate with external counsel and embed risk management across legal operations.

Cross-functional Business Partnering :

Partner with stakeholders across Sales, Procurement, HR and more. Support M&A activity and contribute to wider commercial decisions with legal clarity.

Candidate profile :

• Qualified lawyer (Germany or equivalent); strong experience in international legal environments.
• 5+ years’ post-qualification experience, ideally within industrial / manufacturing or B2B global businesses.
• Expert understanding of German legal systems, including commercial, corporate, labour law, and compliance.
• Fluent in German and English (essential); Chinese is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong communicator with cross-cultural fluency and a pragmatic, solution-led mindset.

Ready to apply?

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity or have any questions, please apply to frankieglarvey@oakleafpartnership.com for more information.