Legal & Governance Director

Join to apply for the Legal & Governance Director role at Robert Walters in Dublin with flexible hybrid working arrangements.

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Legal and Governance Director to join a leading organisation based in Dublin with flexible hybrid working arrangements.

This pivotal role offers you the chance to shape the legal, regulatory, and governance landscape ensuring integrity, accountability, and operational resilience across all levels. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide expert guidance on legal matters, oversee risk and compliance frameworks, and act as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer. You will be instrumental in supporting the Board and Committees, embedding best-practice governance, and upholding safeguarding standards.

• Play a central role in shaping legal strategy and governance for one of Ireland's leading sports organisations, directly impacting the future of sports.
• Enjoy a supportive work environment with hybrid working arrangements, flexible hours, family-friendly leave policies, and exclusive access to premium sporting events.
• Benefit from a comprehensive package including company pension scheme, life assurance, sick pay scheme, employee assistance programmes, free onsite parking, bike-to-work scheme, and discounted access to top-tier aquatic and gym facilities.
• Serve as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team by contributing to strategic direction and operational priorities across all business functions.
• Provide timely, accurate, and cost-effective legal and regulatory advice to ensure organisational compliance with statutory requirements and international regulations.
• Oversee the legal department including legal counsel, disciplinary control unit, safeguarding functions, child welfare initiatives, club licensing team, and external contractors.
• Act as Data Protection Officer by ensuring full compliance with GDPR and related data privacy laws while managing all aspects of data protection within the organisation.
• Lead on complex legal matters relating to major events, commercial contracts negotiation and review, employment law issues, conveyancing transactions, litigation management, and brand or intellectual property protection.
• Serve as Company Secretary or manage through third-party providers to ensure compliance with company law while supporting good governance practices throughout the organisation.
• Provide secretariat services for the Board and its Committees including agenda preparation, minute-taking responsibilities, action tracking processes, and regulatory compliance oversight.
• Plan and manage General Assembly meetings such as AGMs or EGMs as well as director elections in coordination with relevant Chambers to ensure smooth execution of governance activities.
• Draft and update essential governance documentation including Constitution updates, Regulations amendments, Committee Terms of Reference revisions while supporting cascade of best practice initiatives.
• Design and implement enterprise risk management frameworks by maintaining risk registers; lead compliance initiatives; identify legislative changes; handle insurance notifications; collaborate on regulatory hearings; interpret rules; resolve disputes; promote adherence to policies; build relationships with external partners.

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a senior leadership role within a highly regulated environment where you have demonstrated expertise in corporate governance frameworks.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister (Ireland/England/Wales/Northern Ireland) holding an LLB or BCL degree plus at least 5 years post-qualification experience; membership of Law Society of Ireland required.
• Additional certification in compliance (e.g., CIPP/E), data protection or risk management (e.g., IRM/ISO 31000) is highly desirable for this position.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish corporate law combined with practical understanding of sports governance frameworks at both national and international levels.
• Exceptional written/verbal communication skills enabling you to influence senior stakeholders discreetly while handling confidential information professionally.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities including motivating teams towards shared goals; managing performance effectively; delivering respected governance advice under pressure.
• Experience representing organisations before regulators/external authorities coupled with political astuteness necessary for navigating complex environments successfully.
• Outstanding organisational skills marked by attention to detail when managing sensitive material or drafting key documentation such as constitutions/regulations/terms of reference.

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates