Senior Counsel, EMEA m/f/d

Aras is a leader in product lifecycle management (PLM) and digital thread solutions. As one of the fastest growing PLM companies, our technology enables the rapid delivery of flexible solutions built on a powerful digital thread backbone and a low-code development platform.

Our platform and PLM applications connect users in all disciplines to critical product data and processes across the lifecycle and throughout the extended supply chain. The world’s largest manufacturers are leveraging Aras Innovator to manage their complex product lifecycles to improve production timelines, meet and exceed revenue growth targets, and accelerate innovation. We collaborate with companies in some of the most innovative industries, including automotive, industrial/heavy equipment, aerospace and defense, and high-tech electronics.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join our legal team and support our fast-growing software business across Europe. This role is ideal for a legal professional with deep expertise in privacy laws (including GDPR), SaaS business models, commercial deals and technology transactions. You will be a strategic partner to our business units, ensuring legal compliance while enabling innovation and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of commercial matters, including SaaS agreements, licensing, and technology transactions.
• Advise on data protection and privacy issues, particularly GDPR compliance, and support internal privacy programs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with customers, vendors, and partners across Europe.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Product, HR, and Compliance to manage legal risk and support business initiatives.
• Monitor regulatory developments in privacy and technology law across the EU and DACH region.
• Support corporate governance, employment law matters, and internal policies as needed.
• Manage external counsel relationships and legal budgets.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer in a European jurisdiction, preferably Germany or another DACH country.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience, with significant in-house experience in the software or SaaS industry.
• Deep understanding of GDPR and other European privacy regulations.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Business-level fluency in German and English (written and spoken).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a business-oriented mindset.
• Open to candidates based in Germany, France, United Kingdom, or Denmark. 

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a multinational tech company or startup environment.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, employment law, and corporate governance in Europe.
• Knowledge of other European privacy frameworks beyond GDPR is a plus.

We were recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Product Lifecycle Management for Discrete Manufacturers, Q1 2023 and were also named a leader in the 2023 SPARK Matrix for PLM by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions. Feedback from our community has established Aras as the top ranked PLM vendor in online review services like G2 and Gartner Peer Insights.  

With over 700 employees in 11 countries, we’re looking to add to our incredible team. If you’re passionate about helping develop next generation product innovation, we encourage you to apply!