Head of Legal & Governance
This is an opportunity for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel, Legal Counsel or emerging General Counsel to become the first legal hire in a growing international business. Our client is building a global business focused on sustainable materials and is looking for its first in-house legal leader. Reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with the CEO and Board, you will establish the legal, governance and compliance foundations of a growing international organisation. Success in this role is less about being the most technical lawyer and more about being a trusted business partner who can build frameworks, manage risk and help the company move forward.
What You'll Do
- Build and own the company's legal, governance and compliance framework
- Act as trusted advisor to the CFO, CEO and Board
- Lead corporate governance across multiple jurisdictions
- Support regulatory compliance and risk management activities
- Draft, negotiate and manage commercial agreements
- Partner with external counsel on transactions and strategic projects
- Create practical processes that enable growth without unnecessary bureaucracy
What We're Looking For
- 8+ years' experience across corporate law, governance, compliance and commercial matters
- Experience operating within a business, not exclusively in private practice
- Strong understanding of corporate governance and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to balance legal rigour with commercial pragmatism
- Track record of taking ownership and delivering outcomes
- Experience working across international jurisdictions
- Fluent English; German is advantageous
- Swiss Bar admission is helpful but not essential
The Ideal Candidate
You are a self-starter who enjoys building rather than maintaining. You can operate independently, influence senior stakeholders and establish structure in a fast-moving environment.
You are comfortable being a team of one, leveraging external advisors where needed, and you understand that success comes from enabling the business, not creating complexity.
Why Join?
- First legal hire in a growing international company
- Direct exposure to executive leadership and Board members
- Opportunity to build the legal function from the ground up
- Entrepreneurial environment with genuine autonomy
- Mission-driven business addressing global sustainability challenges
This role requires regular presence in Zug and is best suited to someone available to join within the coming months.
About the job
Contract Type: Permanent
Specialism: Legal & Compliance
Focus: Other
Industry: Manufacturing and Production
Salary: confidential
Workplace Type: On-site
Experience Level: Director
Location: Zug
FULL_TIMEJob Reference: NKUY79-C506F9DC
Date posted: 5 June 2026
Consultant: Charlotte Jacobs
Zug-and-lucerne-cantons legal/other 2026-06-05 2026-08-04 manufacturing-and-production Zug Zug CH Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.ch https://www.robertwalters.ch/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true