Legal Counsel (FMCG) - Dubai

About the role

A Dubai-based FMCG company is looking for an experienced Legal Advisor to provide comprehensive legal support across the business. The role focuses on contract management, commercial agreements, regulatory compliance, risk management and day-to-day legal advice. It reports to the Head of Legal or Senior Management and suits someone with strong UAE legal experience, ideally in FMCG, consumer, retail, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced commercial environment.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements such as supplier, distributor, customer, agency, service, logistics, procurement, lease and partnership contracts, and manage the full contract lifecycle
• Identify contractual risks, liabilities, indemnities and warranties and recommend mitigations; develop standard contracts, templates and playbooks
• Provide day-to-day legal advice to management and business functions on commercial and operational matters, and advise on UAE laws and regulations affecting FMCG operations
• Monitor regulatory developments, support legal and compliance policies, and coordinate with external counsel on litigation and regulatory matters
• Advise on distribution, retail, marketing, advertising, promotions, product arrangements and third-party relationships, and review marketing campaigns and promotional materials
• Handle disputes, claims and notices with customers, suppliers and distributors, and support legal due diligence for new business and transactions
• Support corporate documentation, board and shareholder matters, and employment, procurement, finance and operational agreements

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent)
• 8+ years of post-qualification legal experience, with UAE legal experience mandatory
• Strong hands-on experience in commercial contracts and contract lifecycle management
• Preferred: experience in FMCG, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing or distribution
• Commercially oriented, able to deal directly with senior stakeholders and work independently in a fast-paced environment

Required skills

• Strong understanding of UAE commercial and corporate law
• Agreement negotiation with suppliers, customers and distributors
• Strong drafting, negotiation and legal risk assessment skills
• Ability to turn complex legal issues into practical, commercially viable advice