Group General Counsel

About the role

The Group General Counsel will lead the legal, governance, risk management, compliance and HSSE functions for a diversified group operating across multiple business entities in the UAE. Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior executive will shape enterprise‑wide legal strategy, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard organizational integrity.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Group’s legal function across all business entities.
• Provide strategic legal advice to executive management and senior stakeholders.
• Manage complex commercial contracts, corporate transactions, disputes and litigation.
• Oversee relationships with external legal counsel and advisory engagements.
• Develop legal policies and monitor emerging regulatory developments.
• Establish and strengthen corporate governance frameworks and policies.
• Lead enterprise‑wide compliance programmes, including regulatory monitoring and policy management.
• Support Board and Executive Committee governance activities and oversee ethics, whistleblowing and conflict‑of‑interest programmes.
• Maintain effective relationships with regulators and government authorities.
• Design and enhance enterprise risk management frameworks, define risk appetite and lead risk assessments.
• Govern Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) policies, audits and incident investigations.
• Develop functional strategies, budgets, policies and operating plans for Legal, Risk, Compliance, Governance and HSSE.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent); Master’s degree in Law, Governance, Risk Management or MBA is desirable.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in legal, compliance, governance or enterprise risk management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience leading legal and GRC functions within large organisations or group structures.
• Demonstrated ability to establish governance, compliance and enterprise risk frameworks.
• Strong exposure to corporate law, contract law, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance within the GCC region.

Required skills