Head of Legal & Compliance

Alfa Laval; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global firm is seeking a Head – Legal & Compliance MEA to lead their legal team. You will oversee legal support for contracts and engage with management on legal matters. A strong candidate will have 10-12 years of legal experience, fluency in Arabic, and the ability to foster trusting partnerships across functions. The role is located in Al Khobar, among other cities.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of progressive legal experience.
• Experience managing legal affairs within a multinational organisation.
• Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing legal and compliance team.
• Provide legal expertise across commercial contracts and R&D.
• Manage disputes and coordinate with external counsels.

Skills

Legal expertise

Leadership skills

Fluency in Arabic

Commercial orientation

Education

LLB/LLM from a recognised law university

Job description

Alfa Laval is looking for a Head – Legal & Compliance MEA.

At Alfa Laval, we always go that extra mile to overcome the toughest challenges. Our driving force is to accelerate success for our customers, people, and planet. You can only achieve that by having dedicated people with a curious mind. Curiosity is the spark behind great ideas. And great ideas drive progress. As a member of our team, you thrive in a truly diverse and inclusive workplace based on care and empowerment. You are here to make a difference, constantly building bridges to the future with sustainable solutions that have an impact on our planet’s most urgent problems. Making the world a better place. Every day.

Alfa Laval drives progress by offering sustainable solutions in energy, environment, and food. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region plays a vital role in that journey. With a growing footprint across more than 40 countries, Alfa Laval MEA supports customers across key sectors such as energy, marine, food processing, water treatment, and heavy industries. Our presence is anchored by strategic hubs in the UAE (regional headquarters), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Angola, Egypt, and Kenya, along with strong service and distribution networks throughout the region.

As industries in MEA transform and grow, Alfa Laval is at the forefront – delivering cutting‑edge technologies, localized support, and customer‑centric innovation. We are investing in people, digitalization, and sustainability to shape a smarter, more resilient future for the region. Joining Alfa Laval MEA means being part of a diverse, dynamic, and purpose‑driven team, working closely with customers to create real impact – today and for generations to come.

Role Description

You will be a member of the Management team, reporting directly to the Cluster President of Alfa Laval MEA. You will lead, develop, and sustain a high‑performing legal and compliance team in line with Alfa Laval culture.

Key Responsibilities

Provide legal expertise and support across commercial contracts, R&D, product liability, M&A, and intellectual property (except patents and designs) through sound commercial, legal, and ethical risk assessments. Proactively partner with and advise management on potential legal matters to maximize business opportunities. Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts. Implement and actively participate in continuous improvement of related policies and processes, template agreements, and supporting tools. Educate business colleagues in legal competence areas, corporate governance, and ethics, ensuring knowledge sharing within the legal and compliance team. Manage and coordinate disputes and litigations in liaison with external counsels. Keep updated on legislative trends and changes, supporting the business to mitigate risks that may affect operations.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• LLB/LLM from a recognised law university with 10–12 years of progressive legal experience.
• Strong working knowledge of labour laws across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is highly preferred.
• Proven experience and capability in leading and developing a high‑performing legal and compliance team of two to three professionals.
• Fluency in Arabic is essential for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Proven track record of managing legal affairs within a multinational organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating and structuring complex commercial agreements with global entities.
• Strong commercial orientation with the ability to align legal strategy to business objectives and build trusted partnerships across functions.

Reporting Relationship

This role reports to the Cluster President MEA.

Location

Dubai / Abu Dhabi / Al Khobar.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.