Global Manager Legal

A strong legal organization enables the business to move forward with confidence, works closely with stakeholders, identifies opportunities and risks early, and provide timely guidance. 

As Global Manager Legal, you will play a key role in developing and executing Enza Zaden’s global legal strategy. You will have the opportunity to further professionalize and future-proof the Legal Team. In doing so, you will contribute to sustainable business growth, strong commercial positioning, and effective legal risk management across the company. 

Make a difference as Global Manager Legal 

As Global Manager Legal, you will be responsible for developing an effective legal strategy, optimizing contract management, and mitigating legal risks. In this role, you will work closely with the General Counsel, Board of Directors, international management teams, the Legal Department, your Legal Team and external legal advisors. You will be involved in complex international contracts, claims and litigation, compliance challenges, and strategic organizational issues. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of legal professionals (4 FTE), combining a hands-on leadership style with active involvement in the most complex and strategically important legal matters.

• Developing, implementing, and executing the global legal strategy and annual plans.  

• Identifying, managing, and mitigating legal risks at global, regional, and local levels, while continuously optimizing commercial contracts, contract processes, and contract management to support the organization's business objectives.

• Participating in the Legal Management Team in which you collaborate with the other teams of the Legal Department; Corporate & Compliance, IP and Variety Protection and Registration; 
• Advising senior leadership, management teams, and the Board of Directors on legal and commercial matters; 

• Representing Enza Zaden in external legal networks, industry associations, and working groups. 

What you bring as our future colleague 

As Global Manager Legal, you combine strategic insight, leadership, and strong influencing skills. You can translate complex legal issues into practical and commercially sound solutions and can effectively engage stakeholders at all levels with your advice and vision. Building strong relationships comes naturally to you, and you know how to connect people and teams to achieve shared objectives. 

In addition, you have: 

• A completed Master's degree in Dutch Law (LL.M., Civil Law) and at least 12 to 15 years of relevant experience in an international legal environment, with a proven track record in handling complex legal matters and providing strategic legal counsel.
• Extensive knowledge of international commercial contracting, commercial law, and risk management; 
• Strong business acumen, capable of navigating and prioritizing legal risks while identifying practical solutions that support and accelerate business opportunities; 
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience in leading and developing teams; 
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at senior management level and across cultures; 
• Willingness to travel internationally and collaborate globally with colleagues and external partners. 

Enza Zaden as your employer  
Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.  

We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues. 

What you can expect from us 

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.  

You can also count on:  

• A position for 38 hours per week;  
• A gross monthly salary between € 7,774.05 and € 11,105.78, based on a full-time workweek of 38 hours and aligned with your knowledge and experience;  
• 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive annual bonus program of 15% of your annual salary, depending on your job level and company performance;  
• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid vitality day per year, with extra vacation days granted as you get older;  
• A laptop and mobile phone provided by Enza Zaden;  
• A company car;  
• A contribution toward overnight accommodation costs if you live farther away from Enza Zaden. This program applies to employees working for Enza Zaden in the Netherlands whose one-way commute exceeds 100 kilometers and 75 minutes;  
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Great to Grow development program, training courses, workshops, and e-learning platform;  
• Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organized by the Staff Association, as well as Young Enza networking events, inspiration sessions, and social gatherings. We also host an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market and New Year’s reception;  
• A strong focus on your health and well-being, including free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options at the office, a bike-to-work program, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well-being support through OpenUp.  

Let’s connect  
Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days.  

An assessment is part of the application process. This role cannot be filled on an interim basis.  

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Sandra Hoeneveld, s.hoeneveld-blekkink@enzazaden.nl 

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.  

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.