Head of General Counsel

Legal Strategy & Business PartnershipAct as the primary trusted legal adviser to Iberian senior management and all operational departments including Finance, Operations, Fleet, Customer Service, HR, and Commercial. Provide proactive, risk-calibrated legal guidance that supports business objectives while protecting the Company's interests. Anticipate legal risks arising from business operations, market developments, and regulatory changes; recommend and implement preventive legal frameworks. Support senior management in strategic decisions including business development, partnerships, and corporate restructuring. Align Iberian legal strategy with Group-level directives while adapting to the specific legal environment of Spain and Portugal. Compliance, Data Protection & Consumer LawDesign, implement, and maintain a robust compliance programme for the Iberian perimeter, aligned with Group Compliance standards and applicable Spanish and Portuguese legislation. Manage all matters relating to GDPR / RGPD and the LOPDGDD, acting as Local DPO or coordinating with the Group DPO; handle data subject rights requests, supervisory authority interactions (AEPD / CNPD), data processing agreements, and GDPR-related internal procedures. Manage consumer protection compliance across both brands, including coordination with consumer associations, OMIC, and relevant regulatory bodies in Spain and Portugal. Ensure compliance with sector-specific regulations governing vehicle rental, including concession terms at airports and railway stations, ITV obligations, insurance requirements, and fleet-related regulatory frameworks. Oversee the Ethics and Compliance function locally, including management of the Canal Ético (whistleblowing channel) in accordance with Group policy and Ley 2/2023.
Litigation & Dispute ResolutionManage all civil, criminal, administrative, and regulatory proceedings involving Europcar and Goldcar entities in the Iberian perimeter, including coordination with external law firms. Supervise the preparation of legal submissions and pleadings; provide regular reporting on exposure, provisions, and case status to the CFO and Group General Counsel. Commercial Contracts & Public ProcurementProvide legal advice on all material contracts including fleet acquisition and financing agreements, concession contracts with airport operators (AENA, ANA, private operators) and railway station operators (Adif, IP), commercial agreements with travel agencies, brokers and corporates, supplier and technology contracts, and insurance policies. Lead or support legal aspects of tender processes and public procurement, including preparation, review, and submission of bids for airport and railway station concessions in Spain and Portugal, for both Europcar and Goldcar brands.coordinate contract management with internal stakeholders to ensure legal review and sign-off on significant commitments. Corporate Governance & SecretariatManage corporate housekeeping for Iberian legal entities, including board minutes, shareholder resolutions, powers of attorney, notarial acts, and registry filings in Spain and Portugal.liaise with notaries, the Registro Mercantil, and public registries as required. Team Leadership & External Counsel ManagementLead, develop, and support one Legal Specialist Iberia, ensuring effective coverage of day-to-day legal needs and appropriate prioritisation of workload. Select, instruct, and manage external law firms for specialist matters (litigation, employment, regulatory, real estate, etc.), ensuring quality, cost-efficiency, and alignment with legal strategy. Foster legal awareness across the business; deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on relevant legal topics. Specific focus on expertise and experience in the management of external law firms in Portugal7. Group Interface & International CoordinationServe as the primary legal contact between the Iberian business and the Group General Counsel's office; ensure timely reporting and escalation of material legal matters. Implement Group legal policies and guidelines within the Iberian perimeter, including in the areas of data protection, competition law, anti-corruption, and contract standards. Cooperate with legal counterparts in other Group jurisdictions on cross-border matters and shared projects. Support the adaptation of Group-level legal frameworks and governance standards into Iberian operations as corporate integration progresses. Master's degree in Business Law, EU Law, or an MBA — strongly preferred. Additional qualifications in Data Protection (CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent) or Compliance (ICA, CAMS or equivalent) — valued. Professional ExperienceMinimum 10-15 years of legal experience, combining private practice (leading law firm) and/or in-house roles in a complex, multi-jurisdictional business environment. Demonstrated expertise in at least three of the following: commercial contracts and public procurement / concessions; GDPR and consumer la