Head of Legal Advisory & Contracts

About the role

The Head of Legal Advisory & Contracts provides strategic legal counsel across the organisation, ensuring robust contract governance, managing legal and regulatory risk, and supporting commercial objectives. This senior leader acts as a trusted advisor to the Executive Management Team, business units and the board on corporate, regulatory and transactional matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategic legal advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory and governance issues, supporting business strategy execution while ensuring compliance with UAE and Middle‑East laws.
• Oversee corporate transactional work including M&A, restructurings and product launches, and manage relationships with regulatory authorities such as the UAE Insurance Authority, DFSA and DIFC Commissioner’s Office.
• Direct the drafting, negotiation and management of a wide range of commercial agreements, establishing a robust contract governance framework.
• Lead compliance with insurance regulations, monitor legal developments, and support board and committee governance activities.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, leading due‑diligence and transaction documentation.
• Build and lead a high‑performing cross‑jurisdictional legal team, fostering relationships with regulators, external counsel and industry bodies.

Required profile

• Minimum 15+ years of post‑qualification legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a complex, highly regulated organisation.
• Strong background in insurance, reinsurance, financial services or banking, preferably within the UAE and wider Middle‑East region.
• Proven track record advising executive management and boards on strategic legal matters and leading large‑scale corporate transactions.
• Experience managing external counsel and regulatory relationships across multiple jurisdictions.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of UAE and Middle‑East legal and regulatory frameworks, including insurance law.
• Expertise in drafting, negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Strong capability in leading M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and cross‑border transactions.
• Leadership and team‑building skills to develop a high‑performing legal function.