Legal Director

Global Head of Legal (International) | E-Commerce / Retail

We are proud to be partnering exclusively with a globally recognised premium outdoor lifestyle brand on a rare and senior appointment.

Our client is seeking an exceptional legal leader to serve as their Global Head of Legal (International), a high-trust, high-autonomy position reporting directly to the CEO and CFO, with full international remit across all markets outside Asia.

This is not a support function role. You will operate as the brand's chief legal architect internationally, leading one direct report and acting as a genuine strategic partner at the highest level of the business.

Scope of the role

You will hold full ownership of the international legal framework: from franchise, wholesale, and distribution agreements to retail expansion, omnichannel operations, and new market entry. You will lead the brand's anti-counterfeiting and IP enforcement efforts across international markets, oversee GDPR and consumer data privacy compliance, and take strategic ownership of ESG and supply chain obligations under the German LkSG and EU directives. You will also serve as the primary legal liaison between the international and Asian business units, aligning on cross-border data flows, global brand standards, and shared compliance programmes.

The ideal candidate

• Fully qualified German lawyer (Volljurist), excellent state examinations, or equivalent senior international qualification
• 10+ years of legal practice, with at least 8 years post-qualification in a leadership capacity within premium retail, apparel, or consumer lifestyle
• Proven fluency across Civil Law and Common Law jurisdictions
• Native level German and English; familiarity with Chinese business culture strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex legal mandates into commercially sound, locally executable strategies — across cultures and time zones
• The gravitas to influence regional stakeholders globally, and the integrity to uphold Group standards even under pressure

For a confidential conversation, please reach out directly.