Head of Legal in London

At JD.com, also known as JINGDONG, we are building one of the world’s most trusted technology and supply chain ecosystems. What started as a bold idea in China has evolved into a NASDAQ-listed, Fortune 44 global enterprise serving over 700 million active customers. Powered by advanced logistics, innovative technology, and a commitment to integrity, JD.com operates across retail, logistics, technology, property and more, creating solutions that make everyday life smarter, faster, and more connected.

JD.com is expanding its international footprint through a digitally intelligent, cross-border supply chain and world-class logistics network, supported by platforms such as Joybuy, which brings trusted products to customers worldwide. Today, our teams operate across China, the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond, reaching customers in every corner of the world.

The Team

Reporting to the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, you will lead the legal team and build the in-house legal capability that underpins the establishment and expansion of JD’s businesses across the Europe region. The business launched across six markets in March 2026 and operates as a retailer, marketplace, and logistics operator. As JD grows, so does the legal agenda — spanning the Joybuy retail and marketplace business and the wider JD group, including logistics (JDL), property (JDP), and industrials (JDI) in EU and UK.

You will lead a team of country legal counsel and supporting lawyers across JD’s European markets, giving you both a hands‑on advisory role and genuine leadership scope. You will have direct access to the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and the senior business leadership of each JD business and the opportunity to shape how legal supports a fast‑growing, multi‑line business at the start of its European story.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop JD’s EU legal function, managing a team of country legal counsel and supporting lawyers across the EU/UK markets, and building out the team as the business grows.
• Act as the senior legal partner to the leadership of each JD business expanding in Europe — Joybuy retail and marketplace, logistics (JDL), property (JDP), and industrials (JDI) — providing pragmatic, commercially‑minded advice on how to establish and scale operations lawfully.
• Lead the legal aspects of market entry, corporate establishment, and business expansion across new countries and new business lines, including healthcare/OTC pharmacy and private label.
• Support various teams with contracting — supplier, vendor, marketplace seller, logistics, real estate, leasing, technology, distribution, and partnership agreements — establishing templates, playbooks, and AI‑driven processes that allow the business to move quickly and consistently.
• Provide expert advice on commercial, corporate, real estate and disputes matters as they arise across the business, drawing on internal lawyers and managing external counsel where needed.
• Manage litigation, disputes, and pre‑litigation risk across the European businesses, and oversee the selection and management of external law firms and the associated legal budget.
• Work closely and collaborate with the Product Compliance and Government Relations teams — which lead on compliance, regulatory requirements, and engagement with regulators and policymakers — ensuring legal advice is joined up with those functions and supporting the management of legal risks.
• Set the standards, ways of working, and priorities for the legal team, embedding consistent practice across markets while remaining responsive to local law and local business needs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and business leadership, anticipating legal risk and enabling growth rather than blocking it.

About You

• Significant post‑qualification experience as a senior in‑house or private practice lawyer, with a track record of leading legal support for complex, multi‑jurisdictional businesses in Europe.
• Qualified to practise law in a European jurisdiction; comfortable operating across multiple legal systems and instructing local counsel where needed.
• Proven experience leading and developing a legal team, including managing or coordinating lawyers across more than one country.
• Strong commercial contracting background, ideally across retail, e‑commerce/marketplace, logistics, real estate, or technology.
• Experience supporting business establishment, market entry, or rapid expansion is a significant advantage.
• Comfortable as a builder — able to create structure, process, and team in an environment where the function is still being established.
• Experience in or alongside Chinese‑owned companies operating in Europe is a significant benefit.
• Multi‑lingual and Mandarin language skills an advantage.

What We Offer

Joining JD.com means becoming part of a company where people, innovation, and impact go hand in hand. We offer a competitive salary, a great location, and a supportive, people‑first culture where your growth truly matters. With access to global projects, learning opportunities, and an inclusive environment that values every voice, you’ll have the space to shape the future with us.

At JD.com, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Ready to apply? Take the next step in your career, apply now and explore the opportunities we have to offer.