Senior Director – Legal Counsel

About the role

The Senior Director – Legal Counsel will act as a trusted legal advisor to executive management of a leading manufacturing and industrial organisation in Abu Dhabi. This senior in‑house position provides strategic, commercially focused legal guidance across corporate, commercial and operational matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of high‑value commercial agreements covering supply, procurement, EPC, engineering, construction, technology and logistics.
• Provide strategic legal advice on complex commercial, corporate and operational issues, translating legal risk into practical business recommendations.
• Support major corporate transactions, joint ventures, restructuring and investment activities, coordinating due diligence and documentation.
• Oversee significant disputes, arbitration and litigation, developing resolution strategies and managing external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with UAE federal and Abu Dhabi regulations, monitoring legal developments and advising on licensing and compliance matters.

Required profile

• LLB or equivalent; postgraduate legal qualification advantageous.
• Approximately 15+ years of relevant legal experience, with senior leadership experience in a large, complex, asset‑intensive organisation.
• Strong in‑house experience in manufacturing, industrial, engineering, construction, energy or similar sectors.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, able to advise senior stakeholders in both languages.

Required skills

• Deep expertise in commercial contracts, corporate law and legal risk management.
• Extensive knowledge of UAE commercial and corporate legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage complex disputes, arbitration and external counsel.
• Strong executive stakeholder management and negotiation skills.