Head of Legal

2 weeks ago

Dublin, Dublin City, Ireland Brightwater Executive Full time

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Direct message the job poster from Brightwater Executive

Senior Partner Brightwater Executive - supporting companies attract top talent to leadership / executive roles

Job Title

Head of Legal

Brightwater Executive is delighted to be retained exclusively by our client, Re-turn, in their search for a Head of Legal.

About the Company

Re-turn is at the heart of one of Ireland's most impactful environmental initiatives — the national Deposit Return Scheme. Since its launch in 2024, the organisation has enabled the return of over 1 billion bottles and cans, significantly reduced litter, and empowered communities to take real climate action. Backed by major industry stakeholders and driven by a not-for-profit mission, Re-turn is building a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland — and the journey is only beginning. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led team shaping the future of circular living.

About the Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of legal will lead the development and execution of a legal strategy aligned with Re-turn's business and regulatory goals. Acting as a trusted advisor to the executive team, they will oversee legal risk, compliance, governance, and stakeholder engagement. The role includes managing contracts, supporting board governance, and advising on commercial, employment, and regulatory matters.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement a legal strategy aligned with Re-turn's business goals and regulatory obligations.
Advise the CEO, CFO, and executive team on legal, compliance, and corporate governance matters.
Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring optimal legal and commercial outcomes.
Ensure compliance with Irish legislation, financial regulations, and corporate governance standards.
Support the board of directors and company secretary on governance best practices.
Lead contract negotiations and manage SLAs with suppliers and stakeholders.
Oversee litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters, while developing risk mitigation strategies.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments, advising leadership on potential impacts.
Engage with regulatory agencies and government stakeholders to ensure project compliance and successful delivery.

Key Experience/Requirements

Qualified solicitor with 10+ years post-qualification experience in corporate/commercial law, ideally with a producer or retailer background.
Proven leadership managing legal teams in-house or at top law firms.
Commercially savvy with strong expertise in corporate, commercial, and competition law.
Experienced in contract negotiation, regulatory engagement, and managing legal risk aligned with business goals.
Skilled communicator and strategic thinker, comfortable advising on national and EU legislation.
Collaborative team player with a proactive "can do" attitude and ability to navigate complex legal environments.

Contact

For more information and/ or a confidential discussion on this Head of Legal opportunity, please send your CV to Yvonne McNulty at Brightwater Executive on

Seniority level

Seniority levelDirector

Employment type

Employment typeFull-time

Job function

Job functionLegal, Management, and Strategy/Planning
IndustriesTransportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Brightwater Executive by 2x

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland €120,000.00-€130, weeks ago

Senior Managing Counsel – Head of Legal Ireland

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland 1 month ago

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland €130,000.00-€160, weeks ago

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland 3 weeks ago

Head of Legal and Compliance - Exclusive Assignment