Inhouse Legal Counsel - German Speaker

Job description / Role

Are you an experienced lawyer with strong expertise in construction contract law? We are looking for a legal professional with in-depth knowledge of FIDIC contracts and German standard construction contracts (VOB/B and BGB) who is eager to contribute their expertise in an international environment.

In this role, you will manage complex contractual matters, including variations and extension-of-time (EOT) claims, and act as a trusted legal advisor to project, commercial, and management teams. Your ability to communicate confidently in German is essential, as is your skill in presenting complex legal issues clearly and concisely to senior stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities will include:

-Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers in line with corporate objectives and compliance requirements
-Manage the full contract lifecycle, including documentation, amendments, and monitoring of contractual performance
-Handle construction-related claims, including variations, supplements, and deadline/extension-of-time claims, to mitigate financial and schedule risks
-Prepare clear and structured contract status reports for management, with a focus on risks, compliance, and progress
-Act as a key legal contact for project management, commercial, finance, and support teams
-Coordinate and manage collaboration with external legal advisors and law firms
-Advise on and manage commercial contracts such as office and warehouse leases, software, and service agreements
-Support employment law compliance in cooperation with the People & Culture team across multiple jurisdictions
-Monitor legal and regulatory developments in the construction sector, with particular attention to sustainability and compliance requirements
-Support and mentor (junior) colleagues in contract and claims management

-Law degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) or comparable legal qualification
-3-5 years of professional experience in a comparable role, preferably in Germany and/or the United Arab Emirates
-Proven, hands-on experience with FIDIC contracts, including variations and EOT claims
-Solid knowledge of German construction and contract law, in particular VOB/B and BGB (strongly preferred)
-Sound understanding of commercial, employment, and HSE law
-Fluency in both German and English languages is mandatory
-Strong negotiation skills with clear, confident communication
-Structured, analytical working style with strong organizational skills
-Confident user of MS Office and contract management tools
-Pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset with a high sense of responsibility
-Excellent presentation skills and the ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and accessible way
-Proactive, independent, and resilient, even when managing multiple priorities under pressure

About the Company

A leading company in UAE.