Head of Corporate Affairs

We’re looking for a senior corporate leader to take charge of the legal and administrative backbone of a diverse international group as a Head of Corporate Affairs. This role will determine the way the global entities operate, making sure they’re structured, governed, and managed in a way that supports long-term expansion. If you enjoy navigating complex business setups and advising top management, this role will suit you well.

Responsibilities:

Corporate governance & compliance

• Establish a cohesive corporate governance approach for all entities worldwide.
• Manage the corporate secretarial agenda – board meetings, resolutions, minutes, filings.
• Advise senior management and the Board on governance matters, director obligations, and shareholder processes.
• Introduce and monitor internal corporate guidelines, including approval authorities and risk controls.

Strategic transactions & M&A

• Oversee the legal work behind M&A, joint ventures, spin-offs, and other corporate initiatives.
• Run the full legal cycle – due diligence, deal structuring, contract negotiations, closing, and integration.
• Work closely with corporate development, tax, and finance to ensure smooth deal execution.
• Coordinate external lawyers and advisors, keeping timing and budgets on track.

International entity management

• Supervise the creation, registration, maintenance, and winding-down of legal entities across various regions.
• Ensure each subsidiary stays compliant with local requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Handle intercompany documentation, transfer pricing support, and structural optimisation.
• Maintain relationships with local directors, regulators, and providers in multiple countries.

Leadership & strategic advice

• Lead and grow a strong internal corporate legal team.
• Provide long-term guidance on structuring to support expansion, efficiency, and tax planning.
• Manage key third-party relationships – corporate administrators, auditors, banks, advisers.
• Control the corporate legal budget and drive operational improvements.

Requirements:

• Qualified lawyer with 10–15+ years of post-qualification corporate experience.
• Background from a reputable international law firm paired with senior in-house exposure in a multinational environment.
• Demonstrated expertise handling multi-jurisdictional M&A and complex restructurings.
• Strong command of global corporate governance standards and cross-border entity management.
• Proven leadership ability and experience building or managing legal teams.
• Commercial mindset with confidence advising C-level stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, international setting.
• LL.B., JD, or equivalent law degree; bar admission required. MBA or financial postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Professional proficiency in English.

What’s in it for you:

• A senior corporate leadership role shaping the group’s global structure and governance approach.
• Direct impact on major transactions, restructurings, and the long-term corporate footprint of the organisation.
• Exposure to high-impact international projects across multiple legal systems.
• Relocation support to Dubai (if applicable).
• Close collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teams (legal, finance, tax, corporate development).
• Strong compensation package and genuine career progression within a growing global organisation.