About The Role
Kerry Dairy Ireland is seeking to appoint a new Head of Legal Affairs, reporting to the Chief Financial & Strategy Officer. The role of the Head of Legal Affairs is to become a trusted legal advisor to the Board and the Executive team of Kerry Dairy Ireland.
The role represents an exciting opportunity to play an important role in supporting Kerry Dairy Ireland's growth at an exciting juncture for the company. Taking ownership of the legal affairs remit, the Head of Legal Affairs will shape the legal strategy as the business continues to grow and evolve.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide commercial and proactive advice on all legal matters to the Board of Directors, CEO, CFSO, Executive Leadership Team, Business Leaders and Function Leaders.
* Assist the Company Secretary to ensure that the Board of Directors is appropriately advised on its fiduciary duties, coordinate and facilitate board meetings, ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and implement corporate governance best practices.
* Provide legal support and counsel on strategic decisions, including M&A, governance issues, change and transformation.
* Develop and lead a corporate legal strategy that supports and protects Kerry Dairy Ireland in the achievement of its strategic objectives.
* Provide legal advice as required including in relation to M&A, Intellectual Property, Commercial Law, Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, Environment & Property Law and Employment law matters.
* Support Kerry Dairy Ireland operations to ensure compliance with all relevant law and regulations in the regions in which it operates.
* Manage Kerry Dairy Ireland's Intellectual Property portfolio and support in the protection and optimisation of its IP assets.
* Engage and manage external legal counsel efficiently and effectively, where appropriate.
The Candidate:
* A high calibre commercial solicitor/barrister with minimum 10 years post-qualification experience, preferably with experience as an in-house lawyer.
* Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of business needs, being able to effectively switch between the roles of legal and commercial advisor.
* An ability to partner with the business and gain the trust and confidence of the Leadership Team and Board.
* Proven confidence and maturity to effectively deal with complex legal issues and challenging situations.
* Direct hands-on experience of a diverse and complex range of technical legal matters, including but not limited to M&A transactions, Commercial Law, Contracts, IP.
* Excellent negotiation skills with substantial experience of leading negotiations and agreeing mutually acceptable solutions without compromising critical objectives and/or risk appetite.
* Strong material litigation track-record, including management of negotiation in commercial litigation.
* Ability to prepare a legal strategy, with extensive experience of internal and external stakeholder management.