Senior Legal & Compliance Manager (all genders)

As a Senior Legal & Compliance Manager, you will be the dedicated legal and compliance expert at INNOCEAN Worldwide Europe. You will own the intersection of employment law, people practices, and compliance governance – ensuring that our processes are legally sound, our policies are fit for purpose, and our organisation operates with integrity. Reporting directly to the Director People & Culture, you will be a trusted partner and a first point of contact for compliance matters across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Legal & Compliance (Primary Focus): Advise People & Culture on all HR compliance matters including employment law fundamentals and HR policy governance.
• Support and monitor compliance with the Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and the Pay Transparency Act (Entgelttransparenzgesetz) across HR processes.
• Act as first line of support for compliance questions arising in the employee lifecycle – from onboarding to offboarding.
• Train and advise managers and employees on HR‑relevant compliance topics, translating legal requirements into practical, day‑to‑day guidance.

Compliance Management & Audit

• Build, maintain, and continuously develop INNOCEAN Europe’s Compliance Management System.
• Own and govern company‑wide policies: Antitrust, Whistleblowing, Supplier Code of Conduct, Gifts & Entertainment.
• Plan and conduct internal compliance audits across supplier, operational, and contract management areas; track findings and drive remediation.
• Interface with external legal counsel on complex matters; prepare and support external audits and certification processes.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on compliance and audit status.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business Law (Wirtschaftsrecht), LL.B., or equivalent qualification with a relevant legal focus.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in compliance, HR legal, or in‑house legal – ideally with a strong people/employment law component.
• Solid working knowledge of German employment law fundamentals and HR compliance frameworks.
• Experience in building and maintaining compliance structures, conducting internal audits, and developing policies independently.
• Strong communication and advisory skills – able to translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for managers and senior leadership.
• High integrity, discretion, and independent judgment; comfortable navigating sensitive and politically complex situations.
• Highly organised and structured; you build things from scratch, not just maintain them.
• Agency, media, or professional services background is a plus.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).

What we offer

• A first‑of‑its‑kind role with real scope to shape INNOCEAN Europe’s compliance and legal function.
• A close, collaborative working relationship and direct access to senior management.
• An international, creative environment within a full‑service advertising agency.
• Hybrid working model and a modern office.
• Remote Work Abroad: Work from another country for up to two weeks per year.
• Meal Vouchers: Enjoy subsidised lunches with our meal voucher programme.
• Wellness & Perks: Fresh fruit baskets, company contribution toward your gym membership, subscription to a mental health app, and access to our corporate benefits platform with exclusive offers.
• Bike Leasing: Sustainable commuting made easy with our company bike leasing scheme.
• Pet‑Friendly Office: Bring your furry companions to work – we’re happy to have them!
• Career Development: Access training and growth opportunities to help you thrive professionally.