Team Leader of Legal affairs

About the role...

This strategic leadership role requires a seasoned professional with substantial experience in legal matters, in the public domain. We are seeking a visionary leader capable of shaping and driving policies, managing pluri-disciplinary teams, building cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring operational excellence within a complex academic and research environment.

Reporting directly to the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), the Team Leader of Legal affairs will propose and implement strategies, lead multidisciplinary teams, and oversee critical central functions that preserve the University's legal interests.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the University’s strategic direction and contribute significantly to its ongoing growth and success.

As Team Leader of Legal affairs, you will supervise the wide scope of activities of the legal team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Set the strategic vision for the Legal team with the DAF, aligning its mission and objectives with the University’s goals and values.
• Provide expert legal guidance to the Rectorate, DAF, faculties, interdisciplinary centres, and central offices/departments on legal matters, including but not limited to research agreements, partnerships, intellectual property, data protection, and public procurement law.
• Shape policies and procedures to ensure the University complies with all applicable laws and regulations, particularly in academic and research contexts.
• Manage the legal risks borne by the University and propose mitigation measures.
• Actively oversee and influence litigation strategies, commercial law cases, and other legal proceedings involving the University.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of lawyers and paralegals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a large variety of contractual agreements.
• Ensure the integration of Legal affairs into University processes, driving improvements in governance, operational efficiency, and fostering cross-entity collaboration.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external legal counsel to efficiently support specialized legal needs.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting higher education and recommend necessary adjustments to university policies.
• Manage resources effectively by preparing budgets and planning team objectives to support the University’s mission.

Your profile...

Qualifications:

• Master’s or LLM in International Business Law or equivalent, with a focus on European legal frameworks.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of leadership experience in legal matters, ideally within large, complex organizations in the public sector.
• Proven ability to propose, develop and execute strategies that align with institutional objectives and regulatory requirements.

Skills and Attributes:

• Deep expertise in contract law, public procurement, intellectual property, and GDPR regulations.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams at a senior level.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of the Luxembourgish legal environment, including public sector regulations.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to influence internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to seamlessly integrate advanced tools and technologies into workflows to enhance efficiency of daily work processes (e.g. AI).
• Proficiency in planning and organizing work schedules to meet deadlines.
• Capability to pivot quickly regarding tasks or priorities without losing focus.
• In-depth knowledge of legal risk management methods.
• Efficient and pragmatic approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
• Fluency in English and French; knowledge of German or Luxembourgish is a strong asset.
• High integrity, adaptability, and professionalism in managing sensitive and confidential matters.

In return you will get…

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR).
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs.