Legal Operations Lead: Build Scalable Systems & AI Workflows

Rotterdam Innovation City; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ocean Cleanup is seeking a Legal Operations Manager in Rotterdam to build end-to-end legal operations, introduce AI-enabled workflows, and design a scalable contract and reporting framework. The role combines strategic operations with about 20% hands-on legal support across river programme deployments and cross-border activities.

You will implement intake, matter management, and KPI dashboards, while coordinating with compliance and deployment teams to ensure efficient and compliant

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in legal operations, operations management, or related fields.
• Proven experience applying technology, AI, and automation with measurable results.
• Systems-building track record for scalable processes and adoption.
• Experience with legal tech platforms for contract management and knowledge sharing.
• Strong analytical, data-driven mindset with actionable insights.
• Ability to lead change and drive new systems across teams.
• Excellent English skills; Dutch is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own and build the Legal Operations function with end-to-end responsibility.
• Design intake, matter management, and reporting systems for visibility.
• Identify, pilot, and embed technology and AI across legal workflows.
• Develop dashboards and KPI reporting aligned with goals.
• Own contract infrastructure, templates, and approval workflows.
• Create process documentation, playbooks, and escalation procedures.
• Drive standardization and automation of recurring legal processes.
• Coordinate cross-functional workflows with other teams.
• Manage external counsel relationships including budgeting and performance.
• Support planning, governance, and OKR tracking.
• Supervise the Legal Working Student and lead legal innovation initiatives.

Skills

Legal operations

AI & automation

Systems-building

Contract management

Data analytics

Change management

English language skills

Tools

Contract management platforms

E-signature

Knowledge management

Reporting/workflow automation tools

Job description

The Ocean Cleanup is seeking a Legal Operations Manager in Rotterdam to build end-to-end legal operations, introduce AI-enabled workflows, and design a scalable contract and reporting framework. The role combines strategic operations with about 20% hands-on legal support across river programme deployments and cross-border activities.

You will implement intake, matter management, and KPI dashboards, while coordinating with compliance and deployment teams to ensure efficient and compliant