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- Tasks: Lead legal operations across EMEA, guiding the leadership team through a transition period.
- Company: Global petrochemicals and lubricants business backed by a major energy group.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, immediate start, and opportunity to shape regional legal strategy.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-paced environment, making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in petrochemicals and multi-jurisdictional legal matters.
- Other info: Immediate start required; dynamic role with potential for significant influence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
A global petrochemicals and industrial lubricants business (motor oils, greases and specialty lubricants), operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and backed by a major international energy group. The company has manufacturing, commercial and sales operations across EMEA, with a newly established EMEA leadership hub in London, and is undergoing a period of growth, organisational change and increasing complexity. This is a fast‑paced, highly operational environment requiring senior legal leadership with strong commercial judgement and regional experience.
Following the departure of both the Regional EMEA leader and the prior senior regional legal lead, the business requires immediate, senior interim legal cover for EMEA. This is a Regional GC‑level role, responsible for stabilising, guiding and supporting the EMEA leadership team while a permanent search is ongoing (expected c.3–6 months). The successful interim will act as the right‑hand legal partner to the regional leadership and play a critical role in maintaining momentum and reducing risk during this transition period. The role reports into US‑based senior legal leadership, with limited US interaction day‑to‑day and primary focus on EMEA stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the most senior legal leader for EMEA, covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa
- Serve as a trusted business partner to the EMEA leadership team (largely London‑based), participating in leadership meetings and decision‑making
- Commercial contracts (distribution, sales, supply, manufacturing, services)
- Industrial / petrochemical manufacturing operations
- Employment and labour matters across multiple jurisdictions
- Regulatory, compliance, ethics, anti‑bribery and trade matters
- Disputes and litigation management
- Provide legal input on Middle East and Saudi‑related matters
- Oversee and coordinate external counsel across EMEA (c.30% of workload)
- Support and interact with an existing lean in‑house legal team based in Europe and Saudi Arabia
- Bring structure, calm and clarity to a complex, fast‑moving regional environment
- Manage risk proactively while enabling the business to continue operating at pace
Candidate Profile
- England & Wales qualified solicitor current or former Regional GC, Deputy GC or GC‑level
- Strong background in petrochemicals, energy, chemicals or industrial manufacturing (essential)
- Proven experience covering multi‑jurisdictional EMEA legal matters
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑pressure, operational environments
- Confident engaging with senior business leaders, US legal leadership and Middle East stakeholders
- Pragmatic, commercial and comfortable being hands‑on from day one
Practicalities
- Immediate start required (ideally within 1 week)
- Interim requirement for c.3–6 months
- Can start c.3 days per week initially, scaling as required
- London preferred (hybrid working); regional travel as needed
Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA) employer: Major, Lindsey & Africa
Contact Detail:
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those with experience in EMEA. A quick chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the petrochemicals and industrial lubricants sector. Show us you understand the business and can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After interviews, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that interim role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in petrochemicals and multi-jurisdictional legal matters. We want to see how your background aligns with the fast-paced environment we're operating in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal challenges in similar industries.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves acting as a senior legal leader, emphasise your experience in guiding teams and making strategic decisions. We’re looking for someone who can bring calm and clarity to our EMEA operations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Major, Lindsey & Africa
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and employment law across multiple jurisdictions. Given the fast-paced nature of the role, being able to discuss specific legal challenges in the petrochemical and industrial sectors will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations in EMEA, especially their manufacturing and sales processes. Being able to speak about how legal decisions impact business strategy will demonstrate your ability to be a trusted partner to the leadership team.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led legal teams or projects in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in managing disputes and coordinating with external counsel, as this will be crucial for stabilising the legal function during the transition period.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experience with senior leaders. This role requires strong engagement with both EMEA stakeholders and US legal leadership, so showing that you can communicate effectively across cultures will set you apart.