Legal Counsel (m/f/d)

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

As Legal Counsel, you will provide high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice to BAT's German business. You will take ownership of assigned product categories, supporting business objectives through strategic legal guidance across product development, commercialization, regulatory compliance, data protection, litigation, and risk management.

You will act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders, helping navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while supporting BAT's transformation into a multi-category, smoke-free business.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Acting as legal owner for assigned product and category portfolios, advising on product lifecycle management, launch readiness, claims, packaging, labelling, commercial activation, and route-to-market strategies.
• Providing strategic legal counsel on litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters with significant commercial, regulatory, or reputational impact.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements, including distribution, supply, service, and marketing contracts.
• Serving as a trusted advisor on data protection and privacy matters, particularly relating to consumer activation, eCommerce, GDPR compliance, consent management, and data governance.
• Advising senior stakeholders on legal and regulatory risks and ensuring business decisions comply with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Monitoring legal and regulatory developments in Germany and across Europe and translating them into clear, actionable business guidance.
• Managing external legal counsel and litigation providers, ensuring quality, budget control, and alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborating closely with Marketing, Trade & Activation, Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, External Affairs, and Leadership Teams to deliver practical and legally sound solutions.
• Driving the continuous improvement of legal processes, templates, and legal technology tools.
• Safeguarding BAT's commercial interests and reputation through proactive risk management and strategic legal support.

What are we looking for?

• Fully qualified lawyer, ideally admitted to practice in Germany.
• 5-8+ years of experience in commercial law, either in-house or in private practice.
• Experience advising on legal and regulatory matters in highly regulated industries such as FMCG, food, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, or nicotine products.
• Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to strategic litigation and complex disputes.
• Strong expertise in data protection law and GDPR compliance.
• Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts independently.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple functions and seniority levels.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex legal concepts for business audiences.
• Deep understanding of relevant EU regulatory frameworks, with strong knowledge of German legal requirements considered a significant advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial judgment capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Fluent German (native-level preferred) and strong English language skills.

What we offer you?

• A range of attractive benefits such as full subsidy of the ‘Deutschland-Ticket’, discounts with fitness centres and Corporate Benefits, diverse online and offline training and development opportunities to nurture your functional & leadership development, and so much more.
• The possibility to flexibly shape your working hours– remotely or at the office.
• Probably one of the best offices in Hamburg’s city centre with a breathtaking Alster view, providing a state-of-the-art working environment and a dedicated Oasis area to switch off and celebrate successes together in regular after works and office parties.
• The opportunity to shape the transformation of an entire industry, we prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here. Find out more by visiting our Hamburg career page.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions. Collaboration, inclusion, and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture). Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.