At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for EMEA, guiding the leadership team through a transition period.
- Company: Global petrochemicals and lubricants business with a dynamic growth environment.
- Benefits: Immediate start, hybrid working, and opportunity to shape regional legal strategy.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a challenging interim role with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-paced environment and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in petrochemicals and multi-jurisdictional legal matters.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
A global petrochemicals and industrial lubricants business operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 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, participating in leadership meetings and decision‑making
- Provide hands‑on legal support across:
- 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) in London 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) in London
✨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 follow-ups! After an interview, 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 a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Regional General Counsel (EMEA) in London
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 your previous leadership experiences and how you've navigated complex legal landscapes in the past.
Showcase Your Commercial Judgement: In your application, emphasise your strong commercial judgement and ability to act as a trusted business partner. We’re looking for someone who can engage confidently with senior leaders and provide hands-on support from day one.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets into the right hands quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 petrochemicals and industrial manufacturing 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 recent changes and growth strategies. Being able to speak about how legal decisions can impact business outcomes will demonstrate your commercial judgement and ability to be a trusted partner to the leadership team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about past experiences where you've had to manage risk while enabling business operations, and be ready to share those stories in a concise and impactful way.
✨Engage with Confidence
Since you'll be interacting with senior leaders and stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Show that you're comfortable engaging with various levels of leadership, and don't hesitate to ask insightful questions about their expectations and challenges during the transition period.