Nicols– Legal Counsel, Wavre

In House Legal Counsel Permanent position Nivelles

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.

Nichols 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.

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 internalise 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.

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.

Profiel

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.

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).

Aanbod Nichols 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.

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