VP Legal, EMEA in Hounslow

VP Legal, EMEA in Hounslow

Hounslow Full-Time 120000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage legal and compliance functions across EMEA, providing strategic legal advice.
  • Company: Join SATS Ltd., a global leader in air cargo and airline catering services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for international collaboration.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving excellence and safety in a fast-paced industry.
  • Why this job: Shape legal strategy in a dynamic environment and make a real impact on global operations.
  • Qualifications: 15-20 years of legal experience with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.

Job Location: Hounslow, HNS, GBR, TW6 3UA

Who we are: Headquartered in Singapore, SATS Ltd. is one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading airline caterer. SATS Gateway Services provides airfreight and ground handling services including passenger services, ramp and baggage handling, aviation security services, aircraft cleaning and aviation laundry. SATS Food Solutions serves airlines, institutions, and operates central kitchens with large-scale food production and distribution capabilities for a wide range of cuisines. SATS is present in the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, powering an interconnected world of trade, travel and taste. Following the acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in 2023, the combined SATS and WFS network operates over 215 stations in 27 countries. These cover trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volume. SATS has been listed on the Singapore Exchange since May 2000.

The Role: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Legal, EMEA to lead and manage our legal and compliance function in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This role requires a seasoned legal professional with 15–20 years of practice experience, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global environment. The successful candidate will oversee a disparate team of lawyers, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives while maintaining the highest standards of legal compliance and governance.

The Vice President, Legal, EMEA will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organisation’s legal strategy in the named regions, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and global policies. This position requires a proactive and collaborative counsellor, adept at navigating cross-border legal complexities, managing enterprise risks (such as sanctions risks, bribery risks, data protection matters), fostering stakeholder relationships, and delivering pragmatic solutions in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong business acumen, possess a business partnering mindset, equipped with strong communication skills, and is naturally committed to upholding the highest ethical standards.

The Vice President, Legal, EMEA is a member of the global law leadership team and will be expected to operate in the SATS Group as a global enterprise leader. S/he will be expected and depended upon to work cross-functionally, cross-regionally and cross-culturally and manage legal risks strategically. Success will therefore require this candidate to be a team player, a role model and a thought leader in driving organisational ambitions and plans. This role reports directly to the Chief Corporate Officer who is based in Singapore. Some travel will be expected in the initial onboarding period.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a geographically dispersed team of legal professionals. Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the legal team.
  • Strategic Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal counsel to senior leadership on complex corporate, commercial, compliance and regulatory matters. Support strategic initiatives, transactions, and risk management across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Governance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Possess a keen understanding of sanctions and data protection laws, as well as familiarity with anti-bribery and EU FSR laws. Oversee corporate governance frameworks and advise on regulatory developments impacting the business.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment to deliver pragmatic legal solutions. Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.

Job Requirements:

  • Educational Qualifications: Law degree from a recognised and reputable university. Admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction. Ongoing commitment to training and professional development.
  • Relevant Skills and Experience: 15–20 years of legal practice, including significant in-house experience at a leadership level. Proven track record in managing complex legal issues across multiple jurisdictions. Experience in leading and developing diverse legal teams.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOURS:

  • Team Player: Collaborative and able to build strong relationships across functions and geographies.
  • Adaptable & Resilient: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change in a dynamic business environment.
  • Strategic Thinker: Ability to align legal strategy with business objectives.
  • Leadership: Skilled in managing and motivating a dispersed team in a matrixed organization.
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively.

Core Values: We have 5 core People Values at SATS.

  • Safety: Safety – it’s ingrained in our DNA.
  • Customer Focus: Every smile is a win for us.
  • Respect: We strive to listen, understand and respect.
  • Excellence: Excellence isn’t just a goal, it’s the SATS way.
  • Teamwork: We don’t just collaborate. We amplify each other’s strengths.

VP Legal, EMEA in Hounslow employer: Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.

SATS Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hounslow that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, SATS provides ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a diverse legal team. The company's core values of safety, customer focus, respect, excellence, and teamwork create a supportive culture where every employee can thrive and contribute to meaningful global operations.

Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.

Contact Details:

Worldwide Flight Services, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land VP Legal, EMEA in Hounslow

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Worldwide Flight Services, Inc., will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace VP Legal, EMEA in Hounslow

Legal Expertise
Leadership Skills
Compliance Knowledge
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-Border Legal Navigation
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Worldwide Flight Services, Inc., make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Worldwide Flight Services, Inc. and the specific role of VP Legal, EMEA. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Worldwide Flight Services, Inc..

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Worldwide Flight Services, Inc..