Overview
Head of Legal & Governance Jobs in Zug, Zug, Switzerland at Robert Walters
Title: Head of Legal & Governance
Company: Robert Walters
Location: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
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.
