Saint Gobain, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of materials and solutions for sustainable construction and industry, guided by its purpose “Making the World a Better Home.” The Group primarily serves residential and non-residential building, infrastructure, mobility, and industrial markets, providing solutions that enhance energy efficiency, comfort, safety and environmental performance. With a strong international footprint, Saint Gobain positions itself as a key player in light and sustainable construction, combining material innovation, system expertise and close customer proximity.
As part of the core Benelux organization, the Legal & Compliance Director plays a key role in supporting Saint‑Gobain Benelux’s strategic objectives and the Lead & Grow Benelux ambition, while securing business operations and managing legal, compliance and governance risks.
The role provides Benelux-wide legal and compliance support across all the businesses as well as central support teams working in close interaction with Saint-Gobain Group’s regional and central structures.
Acting as a trusted business partner to the Executive Committee and management teams, the Legal & Compliance Director oversees legal aspects of Saint-Gobain operations in Benelux, and ensures alignment with Group policies, regulatory requirements and ethical standards across the full Saint‑Gobain Benelux scope. Travel within the Benelux region is required.
Saint‑Gobain is a values-driven organization that is deeply committed to inclusion and diversity.
Legal Advisory & Business Support
- Provide legal advice to the Executive Committee, Business Unit leaders and operational teams on all legal matters, more particularly commercial law, contractual matters and litigation.
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial, corporate and strategic contracts.
- Support operational and strategic decision‑making by assessing legal risks and proposing pragmatic, business‑oriented solutions.
- Coordinate and manage external legal counsels when required, ensuring efficiency, quality and cost control.
Compliance, Ethics & Internal Control
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and Saint‑Gobain Group policies across the Benelux perimeter.
- Develop, implement and maintain compliance policies, procedures and training programs.
- Monitor compliance risks, oversee mitigation actions and support internal reviews and investigations.
- Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity and transparency across all entities.
Risk & Governance
- Contribute to the identification, assessment and mitigation of legal and compliance risks within the Benelux risk management framework.
- Support governance processes at Benelux and entity level, including Executive Committee and Board‑related matters when applicable.
- Act as a key contributor to crisis management and sensitive issues with legal, compliance or reputational impact.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Projects
- Provide legal support for M&A, restructurings and strategic projects, including due diligence, compliance assessments and transaction documentation.
- Coordinate with Group central and regional legal teams to align legal strategies and ensure compliant execution of transactions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Network
- Work closely with Support Functions such as Operational Excellence, Finance, HR, IT, CSR and Strategy.
- Actively participate in the Saint‑Gobain international legal network, sharing best practices and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
Intellectual Property
- Advise on intellectual property matters, including protection strategies, contractual implications and risk assessment.
- Coordinate IP topics with Group experts and internal stakeholders.
- Support innovation, R&D and development projects from a legal and IP perspective.
In this position, you work closely with and report directly to the CEO of the Benelux region.
You work from one of the client’s locations and demonstrate the flexibility to work across various Benelux sites (e.g. Anderlecht, Breda/Etten-Leur, Grimbergen, Eindhoven, Kallo) as required.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
- Belgian (or Dutch) law degree (Master of Law / JD or equivalent).
- Strong expertise in commercial law, compliance and corporate governance.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a complex, international and matrix organization.
- Fluency in English; French is a strong asset; Dutch is an additional advantage.
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience in an industrial, manufacturing or construction environment.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks in the Benelux region.
- Exposure to M&A, cross‑border transactions and transformation programs within an international group.
Experience:
- Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience as an in‑house legal counsel.
- Proven ability to work closely with senior executives and multidisciplinary operational teams.
- Self-starter, able to work autonomously.
- You enjoy the flexibility of working across different Benelux locations (e.g. Anderlecht, Breda/Etten-Leur, Grimbergen, Eindhoven, Kallo), aligning your presence with business priorities.
A strategic leadership role at the heart of a leading international group, where you will operate as a true business partner to senior management and have a direct impact on the Benelux organization. You will join a dynamic and purpose-driven environment that values autonomy, expertise and collaboration across borders.
