Head of Legal

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

The Head of Legal leads the Legal function for the German commercial business and provides strategic Compliance leadership and coordination across the Central Europe Area. As a member of the German Leadership Team, the role acts as the senior legal and compliance adviser to the business and contributes to the development and execution of sustainable business strategies aligned with BAT’s objectives.

The role sets the functional direction and operating framework for Legal and Compliance, leads and develops the (Senior) Legal Counsels and Senior Compliance Manager, and ensures that accountabilities are appropriately allocated, governed and delivered. The role retains overall responsibility for material legal and compliance risks, any significant litigation and investigations, functional standards, team member critical issue and the culture, quality and consistency of the Legal and Compliance function.

Through proactive partnership with senior business and functional leaders, the role requires outstanding commercial judgment with respect to opportunities and risks. It will also embed sound decision-making across the organisation, protecting BAT’s interests and reputation under applicable laws, regulations and internal standards

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Set the legal strategy and priorities for the German commercial business and oversee the delivery of high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal support across product categories and business functions.
• Provide strategic direction and senior-level oversight for all Legal and Compliance matters (including commercial contracts, marketing and competition law, regulatory requirements) to ensure compliance with all applicable regulation and BAT policies and procedures.
• Review and challenge legal risk assessments and recommendations for strategically significant business decisions, while empowering the Legal Counsel to act as legal owner for assigned products, categories and business matters.
• Ensure that significant litigation, disputes and regulatory matters are managed consistently with agreed legal strategy, risk appetite, budget and team member expectations.
• Take ownership of identifying and deploying legal technology and innovative solutions to adopt and continue to evolve with best in class ways of working.
• Establish an effective Legal and Compliance operating model (incl. 3rd party counsel), ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities, appropriate delegation, effective collaboration and timely critical issue of material legal, regulatory and compliance matters.
• Oversee all compliance risks (competition law, anti-bribery, GDPR etc.) and embed the Group’s compliance strategy including policies and procedures, processes, risk assessment, monitoring, training, and communication.
• As a German Leadership Team member build and deliver the commercial and growth objectives of the German end market.
• Lead, manage, coach and develop the Legal Counsel and Senior Compliance Manager, setting clear priorities, decision rights, performance expectations and development objectives.
• Build succession, capability and resilience across the Legal and Compliance team, ensuring appropriate functional expertise, knowledge sharing and continuity of support to the business.

What are we looking for?

ESSENTIAL

Experience Required

• Senior qualified lawyer with 10+ years of experience in commercial and corporate law, with a strong track record of advising on sophisticated legal and regulatory matters
• Brings strategic leadership capabilities, combining strong commercial competence with the ability to lead and develop the end-market legal team
• Strong team member leadership skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively, anticipate business needs, and drive high-quality, commercially sound outcomes
• Proven track record to influence and gain agreement at senior management level, as well as across peer groups and junior colleagues
• Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, and developing teams
• Highly eloquent and confident communicator, with drafting and presentation skills
• Hands-on, adaptable, and proactive, with strong commercial judgement and the ability to perform under pressure and manage sophisticated, evolving demands
• Experience operating within highly regulated environments is strongly preferred (e.g. tobacco, food, pharma, or FMCG)!

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Brings a proactive attitude with a clear focus on delivering practical, effective outcomes in a complex commercial environment
• Proven track record to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and sound professional judgement in all aspects of decision-making

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Qualified lawyer – ideally licensed to practice in Germany
• Fluency in German at native level is required, with professional proficiency in English

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• 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.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

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.