Legal Manager

We are seeking an experienced Legal Manager / Head of Legal Department to lead and oversee all legal, regulatory and compliance matters across multiple business units, including retail, manufacturing, international trade, franchising and corporate structures.This role requires a hands-on legal leader who can take full ownership of existing legal processes, manage and develop a legal team, and act as a strategic partner to management in a fast-paced international environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLegal Leadership & GovernanceLead and develop the in-house legal team, set legal standards and processes, and act as the primary legal advisor to senior management.Commercial Contract OversightOversee and approve commercial contracts (leases, suppliers, customers, export), key risk positions, non-standard terms, and contract escalation matters.Disputes & Risk ManagementSupervise handling of disputes, claims, non-payment, terminations, and settlements, and advise management on legal risk mitigation.Regulatory, Licensing & AuthoritiesOversee trade licences, permits, regulatory compliance, inspections, fines, and authority correspondence; approve regulatory legal positions.Consumer, Franchise & Marketing ComplianceSupervise legal support for consumer complaints, franchise matters, and review of marketing and advertising compliance.Corporate, IP & FinancingOversee corporate governance, filings, resolutions, IP portfolio management, and bank financing documentation and negotiations.Compliance, Projects & ControlsOversee compliance frameworks (KYC, sanctions), manufacturing/export compliance, construction and lease matters, and legal document control.RequirementsLaw degree / legal education (mandatory)Fluent English (mandatory)6+ years’ experience in-house or in international legal consultingStrong background in commercial, corporate, regulatory, and trade lawProven leadership and people management experienceAbility to work independently in a multi-entity environmentRussian language is an advantageUAE/GCC experience preferred