Head of Legal

About the role

We are seeking a Head of Legal to join a leading Oil & Gas organization in Saudi Arabia. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will act as the principal legal architect, aligning legal strategy with business objectives and ensuring robust risk management across the enterprise.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic, commercial, and risk‑focused counsel to the CEO, Executive Management, and Board committees.
• Align legal strategy with overall business goals and industry dynamics.
• Draft, review, and approve local and international contracts and agreements.
• Develop and lead litigation, dispute, investigation, and regulatory strategies, overseeing external counsel.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and advise on business impact.
• Partner with Compliance to ensure company‑wide adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Oversee Board Secretariat duties, including meeting preparation, minutes, and resolution tracking.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the legal function, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

Required profile

• 15+ years post‑qualification legal experience.
• Law degree (LL.B or J.D.) with a valid Saudi practising licence; postgraduate qualifications (MBA, LL.M.) preferred.
• Extensive experience in corporate, commercial, labour, and regulatory law, with strong litigation management and complex contracting background.
• Proven experience in the Oil & Gas or energy sector.
• Deep knowledge of corporate governance frameworks and regulatory disclosure requirements.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Prior Board Secretary or Company Secretariat experience is desirable.
• Strategic mindset, strong commercial and financial acumen, and ability to lead high‑performing legal teams.
• High ethical standards and discretion at Board and executive levels.

Required skills

• Corporate law
• Commercial law
• Labour law
• Regulatory law
• Litigation management
• Complex contract drafting