Nicols – Legal Counsel

pIn House Legal Counsel Permanent position Nivelles /ppNicols is an established player in the FMCG sector, operating in a regulated, product-driven environment. The company manages a diverse portfolio of consumer products and operates across multiple markets, requiring a robust and pragmatic legal function closely embedded in the business. /ppNicols places strong emphasis on compliance, risk management, and operational excellence, with the legal function acting as a true business partner to support sustainable growth and strategic initiatives. /ppThe Legal Counsel will oversee and manage the company’s legal activities, providing hands‑on legal support to management and operational teams. The role covers a broad scope including contract management, regulatory and product compliance, corporate governance, IP, and dispute management. You will report to the CFO (Legal Compliance Department) and work in close collaboration with internal stakeholders across Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, Procurement, Sales Marketing, Finance, and the Executive Committee. During a transition period, you will coordinate with external legal advisors and progressively internalise legal matters. /ppYour missions will include: /ph3Contract Management /h3ulliReview customer, supplier, logistics and distribution agreements. /liliDraft, negotiate and manage commercial contracts, NDAs, templates and clauses. /liliEnsure proper contract lifecycle management and risk mitigation. /li /ulh3Legal Strategy, Governance Transactions /h3ulliDefine and implement legal policies and standards. /liliSupport corporate transactions (including MA) and legal structuring. /liliProvide strategic legal advice to management. /li /ulh3Product Compliance Regulatory Affairs /h3ulliMonitor and ensure compliance with applicable product regulations across markets. /liliAlign internal policies with external regulatory obligations. /li /ulh3Intellectual Property Regulatory Affairs /h3ulliProtect trademarks, designs and patents. /liliConduct IP infringement checks prior to market entry. /liliCoordinate with IP advisors where needed. /li /ulh3Corporate Governance /h3ulliSupport the Board and shareholders. /liliManage legal entity administration and corporate housekeeping. /liliManage claims, litigation and insurance matters. /liliAddress competition law, anti‑corruption, code of conduct and GDPR topics. /liliImplement risk management processes and legal checkpoints within operations. /li /ulh3Profiel /h3ulliA Master’s degree in Law (commercial / corporate focus). /liliAt least 5 years of experience in commercial law, contract law and regulatory frameworks. /liliProven experience in FMCG, consumer goods or a manufacturing environment. /liliStrong expertise in commercial and contract law (drafting, negotiation, risk assessment). /liliSolid understanding of regulatory compliance (product‑related, environmental, consumer). /liliKnowledge of IP law (trademarks, designs). /liliExperience in risk management and dispute resolution. /liliAbility to structure processes and embed legal controls in business operations. /li /ulpbYou are: /b /pulliBusiness‑oriented and able to translate legal risk into clear, actionable advice. /liliPragmatic, solution‑driven and collaborative. /liliComfortable interacting with senior stakeholders. /liliAutonomous, hands‑on and well‑organised. /li /ulpbLanguages required: /b /pulliFluent in English and French (additional EU languages are an asset). /li /ulh3Aanbod /h3pNicols offers a challenging and visible legal role with broad scope and direct business impact. You will join a dynamic environment where the legal function plays a key role in strategic decision‑making. A competitive remuneration package is offered, in line with experience. /p