Head of Legal (m/f/d)

Trench Group; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth with Purpose

Strong Teams, Big Energy

Fair Rewards

Development opportunities

Modern working environment

Job summary

Trench Group, a Berlin-based global technology leader in high-voltage grid components, seeks an experienced Senior In-House Counsel to lead the legal function. You will steer a dispersed team of 4 Legal Counsel and coordinate external resources, focusing on commercial contracts and strategic corporate matters with emphasis on technology and AI.

Fluency in German and English, a German-qualified law degree, and 8+ years in legal roles, including leadership, are required.

Qualifications

• Licensed lawyer with German qualification preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience.
• At least 3 years leading an in-house legal team.
• Fluent in German and English.
• Experience in manufacturing industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an in-house legal team across locations.
• Advise on commercial contracts, sales and procurement.
• Coordinate external counsel and freelance resources.
• Guide on general corporate and commercial matters with AI focus.

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial contracting

German language

English language

AI affinity

Education

German legal qualification

Job description

Sense The Power

Trench Group is a global technology leader for high-voltage grid components and systems, present in nearly every power transmission grid worldwide. Headquartered in Berlin, with more than 100 years of engineering expertise, Trench Group designs and manufactures high-voltage components that address the core challenges of modern power infrastructure – connecting grids, measuring their performance and ensuring reliability. As electricity demand rises and power grids transform worldwide, Trench Group is a key enabler of the infrastructure the world needs. The company operates 11 factories across 8 countries on 4 continents and employs more than 3,000 people – with plans to grow to 4,000 by 2030.

Hybrid | Full time | Senior (5+ years)

Trench Group is a global technology leader for high-voltage grid components and systems, present in nearly every power transmission grid worldwide. Headquartered in Berlin, with more than 100 years of engineering expertise, Trench Group designs and manufactures high-voltage components that address the core challenges of modern power infrastructure – connecting grids, measuring their performance and ensuring reliability. As electricity demand rises and power grids transform worldwide, Trench Group is a key enabler of the infrastructure the world needs. The company operates 11 factories across 8 countries on 4 continents and employs more than 3,000 people – with plans to grow to 4,000 by 2030.

Your Mission

In this role you will lead our in-house legal team and serve as the primary advisor on commercial contracting. This role has two core priorities: (1) leading and developing a geographically dispersed team of 4 Legal Counsel, plus coordinating external counsel and freelance resources, and (2) advising on commercial contracts — primarily sales and procurement — alongside broader general corporate and commercial matters. A strong affinity for technology and AI is preferred.

Your Tasks

• Team leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 4 Legal Counsel across multiple locations; set priorities, workload distribution, and professional development
• External counsel & freelancer coordination: Manage relationships and workstreams with outside counsel and freelance legal support, ensuring quality and cost control
• Commercial contracts: Lead negotiation and drafting/reviewing of sales and procurement agreements; maintain and evolve playbooks and templates
• General corporate & commercial: Advise on corporate governance, general commercial matters, and cross‑functional legal questions
• Succession & continuity: Take over from the current Head of Legal, ensuring continuity of key matters, relationships, and institutional knowledge
• Strategic advisory: Partner with the General Counsel and business stakeholders on risk and legal strategy, with particular attention to technology and AI‑related matters

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer (German qualification preferred)
• Minimum 8 years of relevant legal experience
• At least 3 years' experience leading an in-house legal team
• Strong track record in commercial contracting (sales and procurement)
• Fluent in German and English
• Experience in the manufacturing industry preferred
• High affinity for technology and AI
• Experience managing geographically distributed teams
• Experience coordinating external counsel and freelance legal resources

We offer

• Growth with Purpose: Join a globally growing energy company with a vision and a bright future in the energy transition.
• Strong Teams, Big Energy: Work in highly professional, international teams defined by respect, appreciation, and a shared drive to shape the future of energy.
• Fair Rewards: Competitive pay, monthly vouchers for shopping, well‑being, or personal development, plus subsidized lunch and membership in a corporate benefits program
• Personal & Professional Development: Learn and grow in an international environment with hands‑on experience and continuous development opportunities
• Modern Working Environment: A modern way of working, 30 days’ vacation, and a tariff agreement combined with contemporary offices, height‑adjustable desks, free fruit & coffee, and regular team events