Senior Legal Counsel – Sub‑Saharan Africa (Lagos/Nairobi)

About the role

Beiersdorf is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead legal, compliance and company secretariat functions across its Sub‑Saharan Africa operations, primarily based in Lagos or Nairobi. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, ensuring that business decisions are aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal and compliance guidance across multiple jurisdictions, handling complex contracts and high‑value transactions.
• Implement global and regional policies, governance frameworks, and best practices.
• Advise senior stakeholders on regulatory, reputational and risk matters, and support crisis management.
• Manage regulator relationships, internal investigations and compliance reporting.
• Maintain corporate governance documents, organise AGMs, board packs, minutes and resolutions.
• Oversee entity filings, statutory compliance and implementation of board decisions.
• Mentor junior counsel (if any) and manage external counsel spend.

Required profile

• Law degree with local attorney qualification allowing in‑house counsel work.
• 8‑12 years of legal experience, including at least 5 years as an internal counsel for a multinational corporation.
• Experience in FMCG or similar multi‑country environments is preferred.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and independent decision‑making abilities.
• High integrity and the capacity to influence senior leadership.

Required skills

• Broad knowledge of corporate and commercial law.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks and risk management.
• Fluent English (additional local language a plus).

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape legal strategy for a leading global skin‑care brand.
• Collaborative, matrixed environment with regional impact.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.