Nicols - Legal Counsel

Our client Nicols 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. Nicols 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. Function The 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 internalize legal matters. Your missions will include: Contract Management

• Review customer, supplier, logistics and distribution agreements.
• Draft, negotiate and manage commercial contracts, NDAs, templates and clauses.
• Ensure proper contract lifecycle management and risk mitigation.

Legal Strategy, Governance & Transactions

• Define and implement legal policies and standards.
• Support corporate transactions (including M&A) and legal structuring.
• Provide strategic legal advice to management.

Product Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable product regulations across markets.
• Support product approvals (ingredients, labelling, SDS).
• Align internal policies with external regulatory obligations.

Intellectual Property & Regulatory Affairs

• Protect trademarks, designs and patents.
• Conduct IP infringement checks prior to market entry.
• Coordinate with IP advisors where needed.

Corporate Governance

• Support the Board and shareholders.
• Manage legal entity administration and corporate housekeeping.

Risk, Compliance, Litigation & Dispute Management

• Manage claims, litigation and insurance matters.
• Address competition law, anti-corruption, code of conduct and GDPR topics.
• Implement risk management processes and legal checkpoints within operations.

Profile

• A Master's degree in Law (commercial / corporate focus).
• At least 5 years of experience in commercial law, contract law and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in FMCG, consumer goods or a manufacturing environment.

You demonstrate:

• Strong expertise in commercial and contract law (drafting, negotiation, risk assessment).
• Solid understanding of regulatory compliance (product-related, environmental, consumer).
• Knowledge of IP law (trademarks, designs).
• Experience in risk management and dispute resolution.
• Ability to structure processes and embed legal controls in business operations.

You are:

• Business-oriented and able to translate legal risk into clear, actionable advice.
• Pragmatic, solution-driven and collaborative.
• Comfortable interacting with senior stakeholders.
• Autonomous, hands-on and well-organised.

Languages required: · Fluent in English and French (additional EU languages are an asset). Offer Nicols 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.