Requisition ID: 60882
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement
Role Overview
We are seeking a seasoned and dynamic Commercial Lawyer to support Kerry's Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain functions in Europe, reporting to the Regional Head of Legal (Europe and Dairy). This role will also support Kerry's Global Procurement Team (based in Ireland) on relevant global procurement projects. In addition, this role will be pivotal in delivering commercial contract transformation initiatives, operationalising global contracting strategies, and driving efficiency across procurement legal processes. The successful candidate will be a strategic legal partner to Kerry Europe's procurement, supply chain and logistics teams, delivering high-impact legal advice and enabling value creation through contracts and processes.
Kerry operates a Hybrid working policy, candidates will be required to work from our offices in Naas each week.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Contract Expertise
* Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial and procurement agreements, including outsourcing agreements, inbound/outbound technology licenses, master services agreements, OEM contracts, energy contracts, and marketing agreements.
* Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks tailored to business needs.
* Provide actionable, business-oriented legal advice to internal clients across Europe and globally.
Strategic Leadership, Advice & Transformation
* Horizon Scanning that results in proactive, business partnering support to the Procurement, Supply Chain and Logistics Functions on changes in law that impact Kerry's business in Europe.
* Experience in working with senior leaders in developing procurement/tender and contract processes.
* Lead and influence global contract transformation projects, including the optimisation of Kerry's contract lifecycle management system (Ironclad).
* Drive operationalisation of procurement and other commercial contracts, ensuring consistency, scalability, and alignment with Kerry's commercial objectives.
* Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to embed legal best practices into procurement processes and systems.
Efficiency & Value Creation
* Experience in leading, managing and using CLM systems (e.g. Ironclad) within an organisation.
* Identify and implement contract strategies that reduce risk, improve turnaround times, and enhance procurement team effectiveness.
* Support initiatives to streamline commoditised contract management, including integration with SAP and Salesforce platforms.
* Lead training and education sessions on contracting processes and legal risk management.
Governance & Compliance
* Ensure all procurement and other commercial contracts comply with Kerry's legal policies, risk tolerances, and regulatory requirements.
* Support internal audits and functional management reviews related to procurement specifications and contract governance.
* Support Kerry's Ethics & Compliance team on initiatives in Europe.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified solicitor (Ireland or England & Wales) or EU lawyer with a minimum of 7 years PQE.
* Extensive experience in commercial and procurement law, ideally within a multinational or FMCG environment.
* Experience in Technology Law (including AI) and/or EU Food Law is preferred (but not required)
* Fluency in another EU language (preferred but not required)
* Experience working with Ironclad or other global CLMs is preferred.
* Proven track record in leading contract transformation and operationalisation projects at a global scale.
Skills & Attributes
* Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Project management: You have solid experience in project management for strategic and complex problems with high-level stakeholders, navigating dependencies and conflicting interests.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
* High professional maturity and autonomy in managing complex legal matters.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
* Willingness to travel occasionally across Kerry's European and global sites.
About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
Get in touch today
In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.
Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.
Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kerry terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kerry Hiring Managers.
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a "starter kit," investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Recruiter
Posting Type:
LI