Assistant General Counsel (Maternity Leave Cover / 12 months contract)
Who We Are:
Heidrick & Struggles is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world's top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, diversity and inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 70 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time.®
Additional information on the firm can be found at www.heidrick.com.
The Role:
For a 12 months maternity leave cover, Heidrick is looking for a seasoned and dynamic Assistant General Counsel, to lead legal strategy across the complex and fast-moving region of Europe and Africa. Based in our London office, this is a hands-on and high-impact role, ideal for a pragmatic lawyer who thrives in a commercial environment and enjoys partnering closely with business leaders to find smart and practical solutions. You will provide trusted expert counsel across a full spectrum of legal and ethical matters — from employment and data protection to commercial contracts, disputes, IP and strategic projects. You’ll also oversee a talented Legal Counsel focused on commercial contracting and join a close and well-respected global legal team that values agility, integrity, and collaboration. This role will operate in close collaboration with and under the oversight of the relevant global legal leads. For example, data protection matters will be overseen by the Lead Privacy & Data Counsel (based in the U.S.), while litigation and disputes will be overseen by the Assistant General Counsel in APAC.
Responsibilities:
Lead legal advisor for Europe & Africa
* Advise senior leaders on strategic and day-to-day legal matters, balancing risk with business goals.
* Build strong partnerships across HR, Finance, Tax, Compliance, Operations, and Commercial teams.
* Work collaboratively with the global Legal team.
Shape employment strategy
* Guide HR and leadership through all aspects of employment law — from hiring and performance to investigations, restructurings, and terminations.
* Manage cross-border issues like TUPE, secondments, and harmonization with the support of local counsel.
Lead IP globally and oversee data protection
* Lead our global IP strategy, covering trademarks, brand protection, licensing, and confidentiality.
* Oversee regional data protection compliance, including DPIAs, vendor DPAs, and incident response, with oversight from our Lead Privacy and Data Counsel in the US.
Drive commercial excellence
* Supervise and mentor the Legal Counsel managing client and vendor contracts.
* Maintain efficient templates, playbooks, and negotiation frameworks to keep pace with business demand and encourage responsible AI use.
* Oversee complex commercial agreements, from MSAs to marketing and partnership deals.
Manage disputes with calm and confidence
* Handle all disputes across the region, coordinating strategy, external counsel, and resolution, with oversight and in collaboration from the Assistant General Counsel in APAC and US.
Contribute to global growth projects
* Support (and sometimes lead) M&A, tax, and corporate structuring initiatives, working closely with global and regional Legal, Finance, and Corporate Development teams.
* Partner with the global corporate secretarial team on governance and local entity matters.
Empower and enable
* Own regional legal policies and deliver practical training on topics such as employment best practices, client vetting, and contracting.
* Stay informed about relevant legal developments, industry trends, and best practices.
* Foster a proactive, risk-aware culture where the business feels supported — not slowed down — by Legal.
Lead and develop talent
* Coach and develop the regional Legal Counsel, building capability and confidence
* Educate as you advise
* Model a collaborative, solution-focused approach that inspires trust and partnership.
Required Qualifications:
* Qualified lawyer with approximately 10+ years of post-qualification experience gained at a reputable law firm or in-house.
* Deep expertise in European employment law.
* Strong track record in international commercial contracting and negotiations.
* Experience managing disputes and working with external counsel.
* Solid understanding of data protection and privacy.
* Exposure to M&A, tax, and reorganizations.
* Preferably, strong Intellectual property knowledge
Required Skills:
* Fluent English (additional European languages desirable).
* Excellent judgment and proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
* Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
* Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills (in-person and virtually), with the ability to build relationships and credibility with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to support and drive business objectives.
* Commercially minded, strategic thinker and personable team player able to balance commercial needs and legal risks and clearly explain reasoning to both lawyers and non-lawyers.
* Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work.
* Supports and promotes other legal team initiatives across a range of different legal areas.
* Acts with empathy and a sense of humour
* Models the Heidrick values and takes responsibility as a leader in the business.
We are looking forward to meeting you!