Senior Legal Counsel, Germany & Operations EMEA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Position Overview

The Senior Legal Counsel, Germany & Operations EMEA is responsible for providing legal advice and support, along with corporate governance assistance to Vantage’s Germany team and Vantage’s Operations EMEA team. This role is a great opportunity to develop and provides extensive insight in many key areas of the business, due to the role’s scope involving collaborative work with multiple internal stakeholders in all key business areas, particularly in Germany but also across the EMEA region (including Construction and Development, Procurement, Public Policy, M&A and Real Estate and Employment/HR). This position does not only involve the management, review and negotiation of a wide range of high priority contracts and key legal documents, as well as the management of external counsel in multiple countries, but also the opportunity to take on the lead in legal matters and projects across the key business areas, requiring dynamic and creative approaches. The ideal candidate for this role will have strong business acumen, providing practical solutions rather than theoretical advice, and speaks the language of the business. Understanding the business and being able to provide practical solutions also in legal fields which are new and fast‑paced is key. Moreover, experience in continuous improvement and driving enhancements that benefit an organisation is a great addition. The role reports to the Assistant General Counsel, Operations EMEA and Germany.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Preference for a minimum of (5+) years post qualification experience, at least some with a top law firm. Some in‑house experience preferred but not essential. Good knowledge of and experience in commercial transactions and particularly with supply chain, operations and / or services agreements, as well as providing practical advice in all kinds of challenging legal matters. Experience in providing hands‑on advice on time critical challenging legal matters, mitigating legal risks and providing guidance on decisions on business risks involved. Experience in performing legal reviews and negotiations and drafting of commercial contracts and legal documents, along with working on other related legal documents. Experience working in multiple jurisdictions preferred. Strong communication skills, including verbal and written comprehension skills. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills and stakeholder management. Being a team player is an absolute must. Being a valued key part of the Legal team in its delivery of high‑quality legal services and risk management, ensuring group‑wide requirements are embedded in everything we do. Flexible, adaptable and self‑directed; able to work in a variety of circumstances; in particular remotely, across multiple time zones, cross‑functionally, by project, etc. and to use multiple communication tools and packages. Ability to find creative solutions to mitigate legal risks and balance strategic thinking with tactical needs; willingness to go the extra mile. Ability to analyse and understand complex business concepts and documents.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and support a wide variety of contract projects (including structuring, reviewing and negotiating) involving for example framework agreements (such as for services, consulting and construction), individual contracts (e.g. security and facilities management, vendor and OFCI), amendments, NDAs and all kind of other agreements.
• Responsible for and leading legal work and instructing of outside counsel associated with Operations EMEA and all areas in Germany.
• Support global legal strategy for construction and development projects in Germany, as well as commercial contracts, including contract management and governance and maintain organisation of all relevant legal documents in Operations EMEA and in Germany.
• Attend and take over a key role in meetings and negotiations with the business, authorities and third‑parties.
• Assist with legal due diligence efforts relating to a variety of group matters wherever needed.
• Provide practical ad‑hoc advice to and partner on complex and strategic matters with Operations EMEA and all key areas in Germany such as Construction and Development, Public Policy, Employment/HR.
• Coordinate with and lead external counsel on regulatory and other legal requirements.
• Preparation and further development of standard forms, templates and policies, as well as identifying potential for automated processes and legal tech.
• Play a key role in the Legal department in ongoing continuous improvement initiatives and standardisation of working practices across the region.

Additional Job Functions

• Support Vantage and be a strategic partner by providing practical, proactive, business‐focused, solutions‐oriented and sound legal advice that enables Vantage to achieve its business and strategic objectives whilst fully and appropriately managing legal risk.
• Provide comprehensive legal support to and collaboration with the Operations team across EMEA on all matters, including the drafting and negotiation of contracts for maintenance and reactive services, security and facilities management.
• Support other members of the EMEA Legal team and business per se in advising and negotiating on supply chain and general commercial contracts.
• Instructing and management of outside counsel, especially for legal advice related to the specific laws of various jurisdictions.
• Assisting with the evolving design and implementation of processes and procedures across the region, particularly with respect to contracting but also potentially with Compliance matters such as data protection and prevention of bribery.
• Helping develop and draft templates for the business, setting‑up the business to perform effectively whilst controlling risk.
• Foster cross‑function working, particularly with Customers/ Sales, Procurement and Development/ Construction, to influence activity resulting in a group‑wide approach and ensure Operations is set‑up for success.

Culture & Benefits

• Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package.
• We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.
• Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Equality

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.