Purpose

You will act as the local legal business partner for Italy, supporting its rapid growth in a sustainable way. In this role, you will be responsible for mitigating legal and compliance risks and ensuring full adherence to local laws and regulations.

Your focus will be on real estate (retail expansion), corporate governance, and a broad range of commercial contracts. As a member of the extended leadership team, you will play a key role in enabling the company’s strategic ambitions in Italy.

Business Impact

You will proactively influence organizational and operational decisions in Italy. By managing key legal risks, you will directly support the company’s ambition to expand its presence and strengthen its brand in the Italian market.

You will act as a trusted advisor, helping business leaders make informed and effective decisions on legal matters.

Interaction

You will report to the Executive Director Legal & Compliance at the Central Head Office, with a dotted line to the Managing Director Italy.

You will work closely with:

• Local management teams in Italy
• Legal colleagues at headquarters

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate & Retail Expansion (Primary Focus)

• Lead legal support for retail expansion in Italy
• Independently draft, review, and negotiate lease agreements for new and existing store locations

Corporate Governance

• Manage corporate secretarial and governance matters
• Support the establishment of new branches and store entities
• Act as custodian of the company seal and oversee its proper use and related procedures

Commercial Contracts

• Draft, review, and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements, including marketing, partnerships, e-commerce, IT, and distribution contracts

Retail & Brand Compliance

• Ensure that brand roll-out in Italy complies with all local regulations (e.g., marketing, data privacy, retail operations)
• Monitor legal developments and translate regulatory changes into practical business actions

General Legal & Strategic Advisory

• Act as a key legal business partner to the extended leadership team

• 5–8 years of experience as an in-house lawyer or in a reputable law firm
• Strong expertise in Italian law, particularly in:
  • commercial lease agreements
  • corporate governance
  • commercial contracting
• Experience in international retail or FMCG is a strong plus
• An LL.M. from a reputable European or US university is a plus
• Experience in project management, stakeholder management, and legal compliance
• Basic knowledge of data privacy and e-commerce/platform regulations in Italy
• Tech-savvy mindset is a plus
• Fluent in Italian and English (written and spoken)

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Skills & Competencies

• Proactive, entrepreneurial, and hands-on approach
• Strong ability to simplify complex legal matters and provide solution-oriented advice
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills