Legal Counsel

Location: Kaiseraugst, Switzerland

Employment Type: Full time

As Legal Counsel you support the business strategy and business operations by giving active, results-oriented, and creative legal support and advice while acting as a trusted and value adding business partner. In a highly dynamic and regulated life science environment, topics like international commercial transactions, e-business and digital transformation bring new legal risks and exposures which demand a new and constant focus by our law department on all new developments and opportunities and the application thereof by dsm-firmenich. The role is positioned in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, one of our two headquarters (beside Maastricht, the Netherlands). 

At dsm-firmenich people are at the heart of the company. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and value diversity in the workplace. 

Your key responsibilities:

•    Support managing the legal risks connected with the business strategy and operations and draft, negotiate, advise on contracts and related legal documents;
•    Ensure compliance of business operations with relevant laws and regulations and keep up to date with actual developments in legislation, regulations, and jurisprudence;
•    Perform legal audits at group companies and liaise with the legal departments in the regions and at corporate level;
•    Manage corporate matters of the Swiss companies, as well as manage and report claims and litigations;
•    Advise the human resources department in employment related matters;
•    Actively support the implementation of dsm-firmenich’s values, code of ethics and corporate requirements.

We bring: 

A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers, all in a sustainable way.  
A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset. 
A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome. 
Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. 
An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future, sustainably.
 

You bring: 

•    Legal degree on Master’s level and admission to the bar in a European jurisdiction, preferably the Swiss bar;
•    A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in a relevant field of law and with exposition to the Life Science industry;
•    Practical experience in the negotiating and drafting of contracts;
•    Good organizational abilities, priority setting, time management and flexibility;
•    Excellent command of English, German is an advantage.

dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: there’s a place for everyone at dsm-firmenich. 

dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. dsm-firmenich people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know. 

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.